Karen Elaine Backes

A memorial service was held October 12, 2026, in Cavalier, N.D., for Karen Elaine Backes, 71, of Mountain, N.D., who passed away peacefully in her home on Sept. 29, 2026. She was a devoted wife, cherished mother, beloved grandmother, caring sister and treasured friend. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she gave herself freely to those she loved. She had a beautiful heart, a gentle spirit and a way of making the people around her feel loved and welcome.

Karen was born on May 24, 1955, in Devils Lake, N.D., to Kenneth and Janice Lindenberg. On Sept. 27, 1974, she married the love of her life, Bill, and together they built a life, a family and countless memories. She is survived by and will be deeply missed by her husband, Bill; her son, Kelsey, and wife Simone; her daughter, Kaley, and husband Steffen; and her granddaughter, Natalie. Her siblings include Renee (Dale) Arnes, Keith (Diane) Lindenberg, Brian (LaDawn) Lindenberg and Lori (Jason) Lambrecht, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Shortly after Karen graduated from high school, she married William Backes. Not long after, they expanded their family by welcoming Kelsey and two years later, Kaley. When the kids were in high school, she decided to further her education by attending East Grand Forks Tech School for a business degree. She worked at the Langdon hospital in the medical records department for many years.

In the meantime, she saw her son join the U.S. Air Force and a year later sent her daughter off to college. While Kelsey was stationed in Germany, Karen and Bill took several trips to visit him, with each trip adding a few more family members. They continued making trips to visit Kelsey and his wife, Simone, after they moved to Utah in 2022.

Karen and Bill were fortunate to have Kaley living so close to home in Cavalier, N.D. In 2007, they welcomed their beautiful granddaughter, Natalie Greenwood. Eighteen short years later, Karen helped move Natalie to Grand Forks, where she works and is achieving her degree in elementary education. Karen and Bill were happy to have one more surprise when Kaley married Steffen Anderson in 2021.

Karen found joy in camping, traveling and making memories with her family and friends. She loved hosting gatherings and tending her many flowers. A favorite pastime was watching, feeding and, on occasion, naming the beautiful birds as they passed through. Most of all, Karen relished the time spent with her closest family and friends.

After building her forever home with Bill, she created a place filled with love, laughter and memories. Karen loved a good book and passed that passion on down to her children, maybe not Karen's favorite genre, but the need to have a book in hand in those quiet times.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Janice; her sisters, Beckey Lindenberg and Rochelle (Randy Slama); and her brother, Curtis Lindenberg.

An online guestbook is available at www.askewfuneralhome.com.