Betty Lou Karkinen

Betty Lou (Leske) Karkinen, 89 of Detroit Lakes, passed away peacefully on Saturday January 27th, 2024, at Oak Crossing nursing home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Betty was born on April 5th, 1934, to Henry and Ida (Redetzke) Leske. She married Harold Karkinen on December 22nd, 1948. They raised their three children on the family farm she grew up on. She was passionate about the dairy farm and spending time in her flower garden. Her favorites were primrose, begonias and petunias; especially the yellow ones. After Harold's passing, she moved to Fergus Falls where she met her fiancé, Dave Grant. They moved to Becida, where she enjoyed the wildlife, going for walks in the woods, feeding the birds, and hunting. Throughout her life, she devoted her time to supporting her family. She will be remembered for having a big smile and heart. Betty is survived by her sisters Donna and Elaine, her three children, Deborah, David and Robert, granddaughter Tamara (Marty) Jenson, and great-granddaughters Chantel (Derek) Francis, Tara (Tyler) Fuller and Kendra Jenson, great-great grandchildren: Kayson, Brielle, Brody, Kamden, Olivia, Cattleya and Colt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Ida, husband Harold, brothers Eugene and Arnold, and sisters Margaret, Dorothy, Doreen, Darlene and Mildred. Memorial Services will be held 1:00 PM Monday, February 5, 2024 at Wevley Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Alajoki Cemetery at a later date.