Violet M. Claflin, 79, of Menahga died Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 at her home of cancer.
She was born Jan. 17, 1928 in Minneapolis. She grew up and went to school in Minneapolis.
She married Arnold Karja Jan. 26, 1946. They lived in Minneapolis.
She married Gilbert Claflin May 17, 1980 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. They returned to Minneapolis for a short time, but moved back to Park Rapids. Shortly thereafter they moved to Menahga. They spent winters in Inverness, FL.
She was an active member of First English Lutheran Church in Menahga.
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She is survived by eight children, Sheryl (Dennis) Smith of Ramsey, Kristie (John) Karja of Minneapolis, Karen (Ray) Bednarczyk of Brooklyn Park, Wendy Karja of Minneapolis, David Karja of Moorhead, Randie (Kim) Karja of Las Vegas, Larry (Cathy) Claflin of Sebeka and Lorre (Tom) Rhodes of Salem, OR; two sisters, Hazel (John) Chambers of Menahga and Carole (Jerry) McDonald of Walker; two brothers, Willard (Terri) Lepisto of Minneapolis and Charles (Maryln) Snabb of Anoka; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert July 27, 1997; daughter, Linda Claflin; son, Clifford Karja; sister, Delores Lepisto; and a brother, John Lepisto.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service.
Funeral: 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga with Pastor Steve Bruer officiating.
