Karen Brist

Karen Brist, 92, of Missoula, MT passed peacefully on December 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith and love. Karen was born February 22, 1933 in Missoula to August and Eloise Nelson. Karen learned the value of hard work and close-knit family ties from an early age.

Karen attended Roosevelt Grade School and was a 1951 graduate of MCHS. She was employed by Safeway from 1951-55, while also attending the U of M (then MSU).

Karen married Herbert Brist in 1955, living first in Kalispell and Nebraska before relocating to Missoula. They shared 66 years of marriage before his passing. She was preceded in death by Herb and their son Garry. Karen is survived by her sons Larry of Kennewick, WA and Jerry, and her daughter Suzanne, both of Missoula. Karen was a proud grandmother to Jo, Erik, and Hans and great-grandmother to 3 great-grandchildren.

Karen worked at the Post Office during the Christmas rush several years, before concluding her career as a USPS Rural Carrier for 15 years. In their retirement years, Karen and Herb wintered in Arizona for nineteen years.

Faith was central to Karen’s life and she carried that love into the way she cared for her family. The couple hosted Sunday fellowship in their home for many years. Karen will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A private family service is planned.