Karina Nelson

Karina Nelson, 93, died Saturday, Oct. 29, at her home in Missoula.

Karina was born at Tingvold, Norway, to Kristian Hantson Franzvaag and Jenny Larsen Sentre on Oct. 30, 1922. She married Orwoll Gerhard Haukaas (Conrads) in Norway; they immigrated to Canada, living at Vancouver, B.C.

She and her family immigrated to America in 1960, settling first at Ballard, Wash., and later moving to California, residing in the Solvang and Santa Barbara area. Her husband preceded her in death in 1975. Karina had an interest and love of horses, raising and keeping Peruvian-Paso Horses, both in California and later while living in Montana. She married Bill Hatch at Santa Barbara, Calif.

A vacation fishing trip to Rock Creek brought Karina and Bill to Montana where, in 1985, they made their home at Rock Creek and enjoyed the great Montana outdoors. They remained there until moving into Missoula to make their home at Grizzley Peak. He preceded her in death on March 28, 2012.

Karina married Fred Nelson (formerly of Libby) Nov. 23, 2013 at Missoula where they resided in a very loving and supporting relationship together including much dancing, traveling and fun until the time of her death. Karina was also preceded in death by the untimely loss of her daughter Linda Root in 2015.

Surviving her are her husband, Fred; her son, Barney Conrads and wife Dorothy of Rock Creek; a sister, Heidi Pederson of Vancouver, B.C.; and most especially nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Also surviving are three step-children, Niles Nelson and wife, Bobbie, of Libby; Dale Nelson of Polson and Grant Nelson of San Diego, Calif.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Church, 3201 Bancroft Ave., Missoula, with interment following at Missoula Cemetery. Arrangements are by Garden City Funeral Home. Memories and condolances may be shared with the family online by visiting www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.