Founder of Karen Organization of Minnesota dies due to complications from COVID-19

The Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM), an organization that helps refugees from Burma settle, integrate and become self-sufficient in their new homes while promoting cross-cultural understanding, announced on Sunday a founder and one of the first staff members died due to complications from COVID-19.

KOM says staff member Marner Saw died on Friday. He was noted as one of the founders of the organization and became one of the first staff members when they opened in 2009, according to KOM.

"He helped hundreds of refugee families start a new life in Minnesota and become citizens," a post by KOM reads on Facebook, in part.

Marner was also a leader at Trinity Karen Baptist Church, the Karen Community of Minnesota and the Karen Organization of Minnesota.

"Throughout his life, he was a strong advocate for Karen people around the world and peace in his home country of Burma. He was also a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to many of us. May he rest in peace," the post concludes.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday night and funeral services will be on Wednesday. For more information, check out the post embedded below.

Memorial Services for Marner Saw Please join us to celebrate the life of Marner Saw and offer condolences to his…

Posted by Karen Organization of Minnesota on Monday, October 5, 2020