Karan was born on May 4, 1941 in St. James, MN to Frank and Gladys (Lowman) Curry, the youngest of six (6) children. Karan’s father owned and operated St James garbage route. She had fond memories of when he would buy her dresses and give her money for malt shop, but at the age of 11 her dad passed away. After her dad’s passing her life changed, as she now had to help support the family. This was the start of Mom’s volunteering heart, as she began to care for her many niece and nephews at the age of 12.

Karan graduated from St. James High School class of 1959 and married her High School sweetheart, Harvey Blackstad of St James, on August 28, 1959. They have two children, Jon Blackstad, Sacramento, CA and Beth (Blackstad) Iverson, Annandale MN.

After Karan and Harvey were married, they lived in Godahl, MN at the home site of Harvey parents until 1965 when they moved to Hanska, MN.  While in Hanska she honed her skills as a farmer’s wife. In 1968 they moved to St James, MN. While in St James, Karan attended and graduated from Beauty School in Fairmont, MN and quickly became the family’s favorite hairstylist.

In 1968 they made the move to Montevideo, MN and spent the next 51 years there. In 1969 when Beth started Kindergarten, she volunteered at Maria L Stanford Elementary School. The administration soon saw her gift with children and offered her job as a teacher’s aid.

Karan was an active member of the Granite Falls Assembly of God Church for over 50 years. There she served as Sunday School Teacher/Superintendent and on the Missions Board. Karan spent many years traveling with Harvey for work and for pleasure. Her favorite trips where to California where she could be part of their grandchildren’s lives.  She also loved going to Beth’s to be with her family on the lake.

She was always looking for ways to help others and was introduced to Hospice Care through CarrisHealth. There she volunteered until their move to Arizona.

Harvey and Karan had been wintering in AZ for 15 years but in 2019 they made AZ their permanent home.  Karan fell in love with her new place and was so grateful for her new friends and everything she had.

What we remember most about Karan was her love for Jesus, her husband, children, grand and great grandchildren, people, flowers and birds.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank and her mother, Gladys, brothers Ronald, Arden & Henry Curry and sister Iola (Curry) Nelson.  She is survived by her husband, Harvey, their two children and spouses, Jon and Melanie, Travis, Ian, Meagan, and Nathan. Tim and Beth (Blackstad) Iverson, John & Jamie (Iverson) Eastman, Joe & Lea Iverson and, 4 great-grandchildren, her sister Bonnie (Curry) Shelton and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

For details on the upcoming Celebration of Life please visit the website: https://awisechoiceaz.com/obituary

Join us for the
Celebration of Life
to Honor
Karan Blackstad

Tuesday, December 15th 11:00 am
HiWay Baptist Church
10505 E Brown Road, Mesa
(Luncheon Reception to follow)

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/karanblackstad

Tentative Celebration Of Life in Minnesota – will confirm date, time and location, may vary due to weather and social restrictions.

We will be celebrating Mom’s 80th Birthday and Honoring Her Legacy, on her birthday, May 4th, 2021. The Celebration will take place in Montevideo/Granite Falls, MN area.  On May 5th the Burial will take place at Albion Lutheran Church, Godhal, MN.

www.hdezwebcast.com/show/karan-blackstad