Karen Barnes

Karen Ann Barnes, 68, of Baxter, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at the Crosby Care Center. Funeral Services for Karen will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 2, 2010 at the First Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Friends are welcome to gather from 5-7 PM Friday evening at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter and one hour prior to services on Saturday.

Karen was born May 13, 1942 in Brainerd, MN, the daughter of Russell and
Eleanor (Palmer) Swearingen. Karen dedicated her life to taking care of others. She will be remembered for the love she so freely gave to her family and those she cared for.

She will be missed by her son, Jay (Kari) Barnes, of Brainerd; her grandchildren, Ryan Barnes, Derek (Nikki Mankowski) Barnes, and Maci Barnes; her great-grandchild, Brooklyn Ann Barnes; her brothers, Donald (Karen) Arm and Dan (Marlene) Swearingen; her best friends, Sandy Mylan and Jan Burrows; and her many foster care family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Arlene "Abe" Benson.