Obituary for Karin Ruth Simonich
Karin Ruth Simonich, age 65, died peacefully in her Mora home surrounded by her family on April 20, 2013 following a four year battle with cancer. She was a courageous, inspirational, faithful servant who was loved by many.

Karin Ruth Barsness was born on July 1, 1947 to parents Clifford and Signe (Bestul) Barsness in Fergus Falls, MN. She attended grades K-12 and two years of community college in Fergus Falls. She attended Bemidji State University from 1967-1969 where she earned a B.S. in German and Elementary Education. She also attended UMD where she earned a certification in Kindergarten and Special Education. Over the years, Karin taught in Cloquet, Babbitt, Virginia, and Mora, Minnesota.

In 1968 Karin met Larry Simonich of Hibbing. They were married on July, 18th, 1970 in Fergus Falls. The couple lived in Babbitt, Minnesota from 1970-1989. They then moved to Mora, Minnesota where she resided from 1989 until her death.

Karin was devoted to Grace Lutheran Church’s library ministry, W.E.L.C.A, Senior Choir, and the Fall Bazaar. She helped establish Booktown Mora. Karin loved knitting, sewing, reading, walking with friends, traveling, baking and spending summers at the lake. She treasured time with her grandchildren; reading with them, playing games, and following their countless activities. Karin had a deep respect for her Norwegian heritage.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Clifford Barsness (1975) and Signe Barsness (2011).

Karin is survived by her husband Larry of 42 years; her children Christine (John) McBroom of Rochester, Michael (Heather) Simonich of Moorhead; sister Linda (Jeffrey) Anderson of Bellevue, WA; brother Richard (Brooke) Barsness of Fergus Falls; five grandchildren: Jon Trajan and Zara McBroom; Ian, Joey, and Drew Simonich; mother-in-law Mrs. Lawrence Simonich of Babbitt; sister-in-law Marcy (Gary) Gotchnik of Ely; brother-in-law Robert Simonich of Babbitt; nieces Chelsea Anderson, Maren and Krista Gotchnik; nephew Christopher (Katie) Anderson.

Visitation will be Friday, April 26th from 5-8 pm at Grace Lutheran Church in Mora, MN. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, April 27th at 11:00 am also at Grace Lutheran with Rev. Brenda Wicklund officiating. Music is being provided by Betty Smith and Jacki Peterson. A second visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Grace Lutheran Church Library.

Arrangements by Dresser-Methven Funeral Home.

Passed on 4/20/13

https://www.methvenfuneralhome.com/obituary/2069779