Karen Margaret Rasmussen Burns, 78, of Traverse City passed away Thursday May 19, 2016 at Traverse Victorian Senior Living in Traverse City.
Karen was born on Sunday January 16, 1938 to the late Einer and Hattie (Gierke) Rasmussen in Marlette. The family later moved to Grayling where Karen attended school and graduated in the class of 1956. She earned her associates degree from NMC as well as attended WMU. Later she married Clare D. Burns on May 27, 1961 in Grayling.

Karen and Clare raised their three children at the home she loved on the Boardman River. She spent 25 years working for Grand Traverse County in the environmental health department. Karen had a passion for the out of doors and was an avid rock collector. She loved spending time at the beach, gardening and enjoying a walk almost anywhere. She rarely missed a garage sale (especially the church rummage sale). Other favorite activities included skiing, swimming, drinking wine (over ice), reading, and traveling. She loved the Arts; always tuning in to WIAA and enjoying a variety of plays, musicals and concerts. Karen loved all things purple, and in her honor, the family requests that those attending the service would wear something purple.

Surviving Karen is her husband Clare; her children, Kip G. Burns of Traverse City, Amy K. (Timothy) Murray of Hudsonville and Christopher E. (Emi) Burns of Suttons Bay. Karen is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Jonathon, Steven, Sarah, Raiden, Collen, and Cora and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.

A service celebrating Karen's life will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday June 4, 2016 at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. Visitation will begin at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Bohemian Cemetery on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay.

Karen requested that if anyone would care to make a memorial donation in her name, and in lieu of flowers, that it be directed to The Dennos Museum, Central United Methodist Church or to a charity of one's own choosing.
Please share your favorite memories of Karen, as well as thoughts to her family at her online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.