Karen Marie Gayken, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her home in Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls. Karen was 79 years old.

Born Karen Marie Sunde in Breckenridge, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Joseph Harold and Lena Viola (Rossow) Sunde. Karen had an identical twin sister, Karlene Ann Sunde, who was born five minutes before her. They shared a special, close bond throughout their lives. In 1955, the family moved from their farm in Campbell, Minnesota, to Sioux Falls. Karen attended Longfellow Grade School, Patrick Henry Middle School, and graduated from Washington High School in 1965.

After graduating, Karen began working at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company (now US West, AT&T, Qwest, CenturyLink, Lumen) during high school. She held several positions there and retired in 2001 after 35 years of service, during which she received numerous achievement awards.

Karen was very active in the Communications Workers of America (CWA), serving as a union steward and eventually as Vice President. She traveled extensively to attend CWA meetings and conferences. After retirement, Karen began working for the Sioux Falls Public School System, where she served for another 22 years before retiring.

Karen was a devoted caregiver to both of her parents until they passed away. She volunteered as a CASA advocate for several years and was a master gardener, taking great pride in her vegetable and flower gardens. She often shared her produce, especially her tomatoes, with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Karen was also artistic and painted pictures of the family farm for her siblings, which they cherished dearly. Additionally, she was a founding member of the prestigious planning committee (alongside her Uncle Rollie) for the annual SUPER SUNDE SUNDAY, which began 35 years ago. Eat more LUTEFISK…uffda!!!

Karen is survived by her son, Patrick Joseph Gayken; her brother, Karlton "Jake" (Susan) of North Richland Hills, Texas; her twin sister and best friend, Karlene (Dennis) Schmidt of Custer/Rapid City, South Dakota; her sister, Annette (Richard) Francis of Wall Lake, South Dakota; and her sister and caregiver, Sonja Sunde of Sioux Falls. She is also survived by three nephews, three nieces, four grandnephews, three grandnieces, and her beloved border collie companion, Sinatra.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Karen's lifelong friends, Donna Lange, Rose Bailey, and Bernie Lindberg.

Karen had been a resident at Good Samaritan Village since 2025. The family expresses their gratitude to the staff at the Village for their compassionate care of Karen. They also wish to thank all of Karen's doctors and staff at Avera for their support and guidance throughout this journey, and a heartfelt thank you to Avera Hospice—truly angels in disguise.

A memorial service to honor Karen's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home -downtown chapel, with a reception to follow, located at 507 S. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.