Karen Janell (Richardson) Dare

March 2, 1941 — Feb. 18, 2026

Karen Janell (Richardson) Dare passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. She was 84 years old.

Karen was born on March 2, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Benford A. and Bernice (Hemmingson) Richardson. She spent her early childhood in Iowa City, when the family moved to Brunswick and established a farm. Karen attended school in Brunswick and Mora, and graduated from Mora High School in 1959.

On Dec. 27, 1958, she married James E. Gould at Immanuel Lutheran Church and relocated to St. Cloud, where they began their married life. They eventually relocated to Elk River. They had two children, Richard J. Gould and Rhonda J. Gould. After his death on Feb. 12, 1979, Karen remained in Elk River.

On Feb. 18, 1982, Karen married Robert “Grip” Dare of Dare’s Funeral Home in Elk River. They had one child, Ryan R. Dare, who passed away Jan. 2, 2016.

Robert passed away on June 20, 2001, in Elk River. Karen relocated to the Brunswick area near Mora.

Karen lived a life shaped by resilience, faith, creativity, and devotion to family and church. She would want us to be comforted knowing she is now rejoicing in Heaven with her Lord and Savior.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Mert, Don, Jim, and Bill; and sister, Lois who died at birth.

She is survived by her children, Richard Gould and Rhonda Gould (Mike Urbanski); stepchildren, Donny Dare, Paula Dare and Robin Dare; grandchildren, Jennifer Dare, Nick Gould, Krystle (Jake) Loberg, Matt (Katie) Puhl, Dylan Gould and Samantha Gould; great-grandchildren, Cody, Tristan, Bennell, Braelynn, Boe, Hadley and Jayce; brother, Bob Richardson and his wife, Janie.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2088 Highway 70, Mora, MN 55051. Luncheon follows the service. Private burial following at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcomed to Animal Humane Society and St. Jude’s.

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