Obituary: Karen Ann (Hallback) Main

Karen Ann (Hallback) Main, 79, died peacefully on Nov. 21, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital after a brief illness, surrounded by her sister Joan Morrison, brother Jeff Hallback and his wife Patti, and brother Greg Hallback and fiancée Lynn Milberger.

Karen graduated from Cloquet High School in 1961, received bachelor of arts degrees in English and history from the University of Minnesota Duluth, followed by a master of arts in history from Macalester College. After teaching history at Hopkins High School, Karen earned her Ph.D. in psychology and special education from the University of Minnesota.

Karen’s professional career included being a senior public health advisor for the state of Kentucky; the assistant dean to the University of Kentucky Medical School, in Hazard, Kentucky; and the director of public health for Goodhue County in Red Wing, Minnesota. Karen’s many accomplishments included lecturing at Harvard and Brandeis universities and being published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

In retirement, Karen was a dedicated member of First Lutheran Church of Duluth, enjoying bible study and serving on the Altar Guild. She became an accomplished color pencil and needlepoint artist. Karen enjoyed bridge and book club with dear friends. She was an avid reader of any and all books and enjoyed attending University for Seniors. For decades, Karen fostered and adopted special needs small dogs, often many at a time.

Karen is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: 1 p.m until the 2 p.m. memorial service Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at First Lutheran Church, 1100 E. Superior Street, Duluth. Memorials to First Lutheran Church or Animal Allies Humane Society, 4006 Airport Road, Duluth MN 55811, are preferred. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second St., Duluth MN 55805.