Karen K. (Korby) Heimbach, 67, of Salem, Ore., formerly of Esko, Minn. died Jan. 18, 2019 at McKillop Residence nursing home in Sublimity, Ore.

She was born April 23, 1951 to John and Violet Korby of Esko. She graduated from Esko Lincoln High School in 1969. She met Steve Heimbach and his daughter, Jamie, from his previous marriage. They married and made their home in Wrenshall, Minn. They were married several years when Karen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and never able to have children. They decided to go their separate ways, and she went on to college, earning her bachelor's degree in social work and psychology. Karen headed out west, and worked and lived in several places before meeting Eleanor. They got along well and decided to make their home in Salem, Ore. Karen spent more than 25 years working with troubled youth, including helping teenage girls through GAP, Oregon's Guaranteed Attendance Program. Karen loved sewing projects, making quilts and Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, knitting and crocheting hats and scarves, going to garage sales and antique shops, and being outdoors enjoying the beautiful flower and berry farms.

Karen was in and out of the hospital several times before deciding to reside at the McKillop nursing home in 2017. Her friend Diane, with whom Karen worked at GAP, was a tremendous help and comfort to Karen while getting settled in her apartment.

Karen will be greatly missed by her family and friends, and all those who knew her.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Joan Korpi, Gladys Kmetz, May Clark and Betty Peterson; her nephews Jeff Pantsar, Kevin Dutcher, Adam Korby and John Korby.

Karen is survived by her sisters Sandy White of Braham, and Nancy Brady of Cloquet; brothers John of Cloquet, Jim of Oklahoma, and Mike of Cloquet; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; her ex-husband Steve, of Duluth; stepdaughter Jamie of Oregon; and friend Eleanor.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25 at the McKillop Residence nursing home at Marian Estates, 500 SE Circle in Sublimity.