Karen Solem Grussendorf, a beloved educator, tireless community advocate, and pillar of the Sitka arts and education scenes, passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 82. Her boundless energy, fierce intellect, and unwavering commitment to civic life left an indelible mark on generations of students, colleagues, and friends throughout Alaska and beyond.
Born in Duluth, Minnesota, on February 7, 1943, Karen was the youngest child of Adolf and Gladys Solem. The Solem household was a large one—Karen was the youngest of sixteen children, though she spent her early childhood as the only child at home on the family farm. It wasn't until after World War II that Karen met many of her siblings for the first time, as they returned from military service—a story that became emblematic of her lifelong appreciation for history, family, and the resilience of community.
Karen studied English at the University of Minnesota and began her teaching career in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. In 1967, she and her husband Ben Grussendorf moved to Sitka, where she would spend the rest of her life as an educator, mentor, activist, and cultural leader. She taught English and served as librarian at Blatchley Middle School, where she became known for her passion for mythology, “Battle of the Books,” and defending the freedom to read during Banned Books Week. Alongside colleagues, she co-produced more than 18 school musicals, enriching the lives of students through the performing arts.
Karen helped organize and lead international performing arts and cultural exchanges to Japan, Poland, and the former Soviet Union, offering students a global perspective and a deeper sense of cultural connection. She advised the Sitka High School Drill Team from 1967 to 1998 and was inducted into the Alaska High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2007.
She received the Alaska Library Association’s first-ever Library Advocacy Award in 2001, was named “Outstanding Art Educator,” and was honored by Delta Kappa Gamma as “Outstanding Woman Educator.”
A founding member of the New Archangel Dancers, Karen helped launch the group in 1969. Now the longest continuously performing arts organization in Sitka, the ensemble traces its origins to Karen and a group of her friends who began as Scottish dancers (until they lost their bagpiper!). Over the years, the Russian Dancers became a beloved symbol of community pride and cultural storytelling.
Karen also served on the boards of the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, Sitka Performing Arts Center, White Elephant Shop, and the Greater Sitka Legacy Fund. She was a proud member of organizations such as the Sons of Norway, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Elks. Lodge She championed Sitka’s public radio station, KCAW Raven Radio, and supported the Sitka Summer Music Festival with her characteristic enthusiasm.
Karen was also a savvy political mind and the campaign manager for her husband Ben during his service as mayor of Sitka and as a member of the Alaska State House of Representatives. She was a proud “political junkie” who believed deeply in public service, civic education, and the power of an informed citizenry. She was also a spirited gardener, lovingly dubbed a “slug warrior” for her relentless defense of her flower beds.
Above all, Karen cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Ben, her parents Adolf and Gladys, and all fifteen of her siblings.
She is survived by her children, Tim Grussendorf and his wife Christi, and Karla Grussendorf Aaron and her husband Scott Aaron. She leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Cody Grussendorf and his wife Jessica Hahnlen, Ty Grussendorf, Kayla Fern, Keith, and a great-granddaughter, Evie Rae Grussendorf-Hahnlen.
Karen’s life was a testament to the joy of learning, the power of community, and the beauty of a well-told story. She will be remembered not only for what she taught, but for how she lived—with grace, grit, humor, and an open heart.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held in Sitka at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Sitka Fine Arts Camp or KCAW Raven Radio.
