Karen May Bernice Gigikos, age 79, died May 10, 2019 in Anoka, Minnesota. Karen was born February 22,1940 in Mankato, Minnesota. Karen married Keith Hobart Skelton on August 16, 1958 and together they had three children. She married second James Paul Gigikos on December 28, 1974 in Richfield, Minnesota. Karen has been in a committed relationship with her fiance' Stephan Stenzel for the last 15 years.

Karen enjoyed arts and crafts, painting, singing; martial arts, and family genealogy work. At the age of 66 she received her first black belt in taekwaondo and hapikdo. In 2005, she won a state championship through the American Fighting Arts Federation. She became known in the community as black belt granny. In 2011, he Debut CS became available on Emerald Records.

Mrs. Gigikos is survived by two brothers, Kennth Boas of Florida and Keith Broas of Minnesota. Three daughters, Rona Brom of Sandy, Utah; Susan Nanoff of Dalls, Georgia; and debra Casperson of Maple Grove, Minnesota along with 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James Gigikos, and two brothers, Karl and Robert.

Her funeral service will be held on Thursday (5/16/2019) at 11 AM with a visitation one hour prior at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 2742 Yellowstone Blvd in Anoka, followed by interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home

Anoka 763-421-0220