Karen L. Marinov

Karen Marinov, 57, of Coral Springs, Florida passed away peacefully Thursday, August 4th, 2022, surrounded by loving family and is now with God.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 am, August 27th at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton, Florida.  There will also be a Celebration of Life service in Bismarck, ND 2:00 pm on September 2^nd at Parkway Funeral Home. 

Karen Lydia DeKrey was born to W. Warren DeKrey and Eileen (Wyngarden) DeKrey March 16, 1965, in Fargo, ND.  After a few moves as a family, she graduated from Century High School in Bismarck, ND.  Karen was the youngest of five children, and a beloved sister who was doted upon.

As a young girl, her passion with perseverance and adventurous spirit showed up.  Karen poured her heart and soul into all she did.  Her “Do not disturb, Nerd at work” sign on her bedroom door let all of her siblings know she was in the “Zone of Focus” and great things were happening on a project.

She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.  Karen later received her Master’s in Business Administration from Cambridge University, England. It was at Concordia that she met the love of her life Martin Marinov, who is originally from Bulgaria.  They were married July 16, 1988, and celebrated 34 years this summer.

To meet Karen was to immediately recognize that she had a sparkle of life that shone with great energy through her countenance, deep love for God that directed all she did, compassionate spirit for others, and deep love for her husband and family.  She loved being with others and took the time to help where needed.  Hospitality was a big part of Karen’s life, and many experienced that gift over the years. 

Karen and Martin spent 15 years living in Europe, based in Germany.  She worked at that time as a U.S. government contractor and Director of Engineer Training US Army Europe.  Because of Martin’s line of work, they were able to travel extensively and had many adventures and special times as a couple.

After moving back to the States, they settled in Florida in 2006 for a new direction. As a husband/wife team, they acquired and built up an awarding winning advertising/publishing/marketing company, EG Communications Group.   It was an incredible journey.  Her creative and talented writing skills were outstanding.  It reflected her “touch people’s hearts” philosophy in life.    

One of Karen’s biggest talents and passions in life was singing…and did she ever have a beautiful voice! She was a big part of Revelation Ministries, and later Torch and Trumpet for many years.  The group performed “The Gospel According to Scrooge”, “The Scarlet Thread” and various other productions that touched many hearts with God’s hope, inspiration, and joy. 

Karen and Martin were invested as Dame/Chevalier of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller in 2021.  This is an ancient and royal order of chivalry dedicated to serving the sick and the poor established in 1048 A.D. 

Words cannot say how much she will be missed by family and friends…she was truly loved, and her courageous spirit inspired us all.  We are blessed to have had her in our lives.  One of her favorite verses Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”  sustained Karen during her health battles.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Martin Marinov, Coral Springs FL;  her mother, Eileen DeKrey, New Salem, ND;  siblings Ron (Bonnie), La Crosse, WI, Del (Wanda), Grand Forks, ND, Lorie Pope (Robert), Bismarck, ND,  Kevin (Connie), Fargo, ND; and many nephews and nieces and their families.

Karen was preceded in death by her father W. Warren DeKrey.