Karen Dufur

August 17, 1943 ~ November 10, 2019

Karen Helquist Dufur was born to Earnest Alfred and Bernice Redd Helquist on August 19, 1943 in Blanding. She graduated from San Juan High School in 1961.  

After high school she attended Snow College for one year then returned to Blanding.  She met and fell head over heels in love with Johnny Dufur, and they were married on October 6, 1966.  

Johnny and Karen made their home in Blanding.  Johnny was a horse jockey at the racetracks in Farmington, NM. This took them on many adventures, which sparked their love for travel.  

They had close friends, and together they spent many years traveling and going on adventures together. 

Karen loved family! Karen loved children. She was unable to have any biological children of her own, but if you asked Karen how many children she had, the number was staggering because she considered each niece and nephew and great niece and nephew as her own.  

She loved each of them dearly and worried mercifully when any one of them were struggling or having a hard time.  

Her animals were her children as well and they were spoiled beyond belief.  Many people joked that if they were to die, they would want to be reincarnated as one of Karen animals.  

She cared deeply for animals and couldn’t stand the thought of anyone harming them. In fact, when they gave animals away, you could bet that you would have to personally be interviewed to see if you qualified to get one.  

Some of her hobbies included making porcelain dolls, quilting, genealogy, yard work, volunteering at the Bluff Fort, and reading.  

She enjoyed going camping, hiking, going to the horse races, and really anything that required family getting together.  

Karen loved the gospel and served in various church callings throughout her life. She had very dedicated and loyal friends and family members that help make her later years easier as she was limited to the amount of activities she could do.  

Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Dufur; her parents, E.A. and Bernice Helquist; and her brother, Duane Helquist.  

She is survived in death by her brother, Kirk (Nancy) Helquist, Brent (Gerri) Helquist, and Clyde (Marla) Helquist.  Many nieces and nephew and great nieces and nephews.

Card of thanks

The family of Karen would like to thank the San Juan County EMS team, Blanding City Police, and the San Juan County Sherriff’s Office who responded so quickly and professionally. They were amazing, and we appreciate your service.  

Also to San Juan Mortuary for the great care and wonderful work to take care of her so we could pay our last respect.  

Thank you to all the family and friends who sent flowers, donations, visits, and food brought in during this time.  

To the Blanding Seventh Ward, thank you for your endless service to Karen and especially during her services, our hearts are full with the kindness of our community.