Karen A Swartly 

February 11, 1957 – June 3, 2024 

Karen Swartley, age 67, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the age of 67. Though Karen may no longer walk beside us, her memory will forever be enshrined in the fabric of the lives of those Karen touched, a beacon of light guiding us through the darkness. In her absence, her spirit lives on — a gentle whisper in the breeze, a ray of sunlight on a cloudy day, a reminder that love knows no boundaries. 

Karen Ann Aksland Swartley, was a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She was born on February 11, 1957, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Thorvald and Irma Aksland, who preceded her in death. Karen spent her childhood in Sioux Falls and Colorado Springs. 

Karen pursued her passion for education and the arts, attending Luther College and New York University. She dedicated her career to teach-ing drama, becoming a respected theater education expert over the course of several decades. Karen was also a talented local actress who performed at the Performing Arts Center and UCCS Theatreworks. 

Karen joined Fjellheim Lodge on 11-23-2020 to continue Norwegian lessons. She quickly became involved as a volunteer in other events, which was greatly appreciated. We will not forget the brilliant performance of Ole Aleksander Filibom-bom-bom presented by Karen, BJ, Ju-lie, and Becky. We will miss Karen so very much. We were all just getting to know her. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Karen had a love for home interior design, costumes, hiking, camping, antique furniture restoration and furniture painting. She was also skilled in stagecraft, bringing her creative talents to both her personal and professional life. 

Karen is survived by her loving husband, John Swartley; her siblings, Rose Durham (Steve), Thor Aksland, Irene Freckleton (Grover), and David Aksland (Melanie); her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard Swartley, Arlene Wambold, and Jean Swartley.