Karen Victoria Gigstad Martin died peacefully in her home on December 11, 2017. She was born on January 25, 1925 in Beach, North Dakota. She was the fifth child of seven born to the Reverend Walter and Selma Gigstad. Karen cherished her childhood and delighted in sharing many stories of the time spent with her parents and siblings.Karen spent her childhood in Lessor, Wisconsin and moved to Clifton, Texas in 1941. After High School, she went to North Texas State Teacher’s College and graduated in 1947 with a degree in Education. She then taught school in Carthage, Texas. In 1956, she accepted a teaching position in Midland. Soon thereafter, she met and married the love of her life, William Henson Martin. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Marjean Martin Murphy and Sigrid Martin Coats.The family was active in Midland Lutheran Church where Karen taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, trained the acolytes and was also active in the Ladies Circle. Karen was a lifelong Lutheran and for the last several years of her life, was a faithful member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church.Throughout her life, she was motivated by having fun. Whether playing golf, eating out, travelling, spending time with friends, family or grandchildren, she was always ready to go. She was blessed with a fighting spirit that helped her remain healthy and to live at home. Karen gave generously to many causes, especially charities that supported those in need.Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers, Walter Theodore Gigstad, Goldbrin Gigstad and a sister Marie Harvick. She was survived by her daughters Marjean Martin Murphy and husband Dan Murphy, Sigrid Martin Coats and husband Richard Coats, sisters Jordice Browning, Constance Smith, and Audni Dehlinger Welch. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Mark McClurg, Sarah Murphy and husband Jerry, Karen Story, Harlan Coats and Adrienne Coats, and three great grandchildren Izabelle, Elizabeth and J. Murphy and many nieces and nephews.The family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregivers, Maria Florez and Rainie Gandy, and also to Nurses Unlimited for all of the great caregivers that helped take care of Karen in the last weeks of her life.Funeral services are scheduled for 3:30 pm on Friday, December 15, 2017, at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church. A reception will follow at the Petroleum Club. Memorials may be directed to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Good News Ministries, P.O. Box 3315, Midland, TX 79702 or a charity of one’s choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
