Karen Lundberg Simmons, 75
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 9 months, 1 week AGO
Karen Lundberg Simmons, 75, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Bigfork on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
She is survived by her older brother, William N. Lundberg of Colorado, and children, Katherine Simmons, Clinton Simmons and Elizabeth Simmons of Oregon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William D. and Jane Lundberg and her husband of 49 years, Gary Edward Simmons.
Karen was born in Glendive and spent much of her childhood in Calgary, Canada where she participated in ballet and loved ice-skating and skiing. After moving to Portland in the early 1970s she studied design and graduated from Bassist College where she became a window dresser for Meier and Frank in downtown Portland. She soon met her husband, Gary Edward Simmons, through her long-time friend Cathy Arnold, and was married in 1973.
After living in Portland, and then Beavercreek, the couple moved to Molalla, Oregon where they bought thirty acres and built a home and farm where she raised her three children, Katherine, Clinton and Elizabeth. Caring for a garden and animals Karen became a "master food preserver" through Oregon State University's Cooperative Extension Program. After her children were older, she worked with the Molalla River School District as a work experience coordinator and helped kids to find jobs. Her work supported the creation of "Better Shredders," a student run business that served the Molalla community with paper shredding services.
In 2004 Karen and Gary sold their Molalla farm and moved to Bigfork to make Montana their home. They renovated her parent's former home and built a lakeside farmhouse that echoed tradition and elegance.
She loved her long-time friends of Bigfork and made many more participating in the Philanthropical Educational Organization, Bigfork Ladies Service Club, North Shore Harbor Community, Bowling League and more. After losing her husband Gary in 2012 she met and built a special friendship with Bill Paine, who she cared for greatly.
The family would like to thank all of her friends that have enriched her life and cared for her. A celebration of life will be held Aug. 23.