Karen Elizabeth Bunch

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Karen Elizabeth Bunch, 71, passed away after a lengthy courageous fight with leukemia Jan. 25, 2015, surrounded by family at her home in Anchorage.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a later date. Her ashes will be scattered in a private ceremony in the spring.

Karen was born Oct. 14, 1943, to Clifford Earl and Leola Annette (Merrill) Christenson in Pontiac, Michigan. She received her bachelor’s degree at the Michigan State University. Karen lived in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Washington state before landing in Anchorage in January of 1979 where she spent her remaining years in the same house raising her family and living life.

“Karen will be sorely missed by her family and friends alike. Her love for her family, friends and life was an inspiration to all who met her. She was kind-hearted, warm and friendly and people could not help but like and love her. She loved her family always carrying them in her heart wherever she was. She will be missed dearly and always remembered,” wrote the family.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived her husband, Charles Bunch of Anchorage; brother, Carl Christenson of Coupeville, Washington; sisters, Margaret Bobrovnikoff of Lubec, Maine and Ruth Christenson of Richmond, California; sons, Christopher Hasse of Anchorage and Scott Hasse of Wasilla; daughter, Melissa Bunch of Anchorage; granddaughter, Ariel Hasse of Wasilla; and grandsons, Kyle Hasse and Jack Hasse both of Wasilla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blood Bank of Alaska, 4000 Laurel St. Anchorage, AK 99508.

Arrangements were under the direction of Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory. Please visit Karen’s obituary and online guestbook at AlaskanFuneral.com.