Karen Louise Bertram, age 82, of Deer River, MN, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026, at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, Grand Rapids, MN.

Karen was born in 1944 to Gordon and Erma (Fleck) James in Milaca, MN. She attended Grand Rapids High School, and in 1961 married Gerald Bertram. They raised their four boys and resided in the Twin Cities area. Karen worked for many years in nursing before providing foster care for Kristine Kemper. In 1998 they retired and moved back to the Grand Rapids area.

Karen cherished her family and grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and painting, and always made sure no one ever left her home hungry.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years Gerald Bertram; parents Gordon and Erma James; brother Gordon James; foster daughter Kristine Kemper.

Special thanks to Karen's brother Mitch for all his help in maintaining her home so that she could live there as long as possible.

Karen is survived by her four sons Jeff (Denise), Todd (Lori), Mike (Deb), Richard (Pam); 11 grandchildren Tami Smith (Tony), Joel Bertram (Betsy), Carrie Lopez (Sam) Jeffery Bertram, Alex Bertram (Becca), Jake Bertram (Rachael), Henry Bertram (Rosie) Jack Bertram (Tia), Sara Anderson (Jamie), Shane Bratz, and Jason Bratz (Brenda); 22 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; sister Diana Flores; brothers Mitch James and Jerry James; many nieces and nephews; very dear friends Loretta and Beverly.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Grace Bible Chapel in Grand Rapids, MN. Reverend Ross Patton will officiate. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery, Cohasset, MN.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids, MN, and will continue Tuesday afternoon for one hour prior to services at Grace Bible Chapel.