Robert Testa , 69, and Karen Marie (Aus) Testa , 71, died on April 13, 2017 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident northwest of their home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Robert was born December 26, 1947 in Norwalk, Connecticut to Joseph and Sylvia Testa. Shortly after graduating from J. M. Wright Technical High School in Stamford, CT, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Minot AFB in North Dakota, and Phan Rang AB in Vietnam. Karen was born on November 10, 1945 in Minot, ND to Perry and Thyra Aus. After graduating from Minot High School she attended Minot State College. While Robert was stationed at Minot AFB, he met Karen and they were married on September 10, 1968, starting a journey together that lasted almost 49 years. After settling in Norwalk, CT, Robert became a general contractor, responsible for many projects in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, while Karen was active in the community and tended the needs of their home and children.

Robert and Karen filled their lives with a love for travel, and pictures from across the globe attest to their adventurous spirits, making lifelong friends wherever they went. Laughter was something they shared with everyone, and spending time with Robert and Karen was always a joy. They were wonderful hosts; Karen loved to entertain family and friends while Robert was the entertainment. Both longtime members of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Norwalk, CT, Robert and Karen also supported a variety of charities and causes that included St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, for which a memorial fund has been established in their honor.

They are survived by Robert's son, Gary (Valerie) Testa and their children, Alex, Juliana and Isabella Testa, and their sons, Robert Joseph Testa and Jeffrey (Jessica) Testa and their children, Abigail, Nathaniel and Caleigh Testa; Robert's sisters, Janet Dobson, Jo Ann (Gene) Dzilinski and Ann Marie Ciaccio; Karen's sister, Dolores (William) Kienel and brother, Phil Aus, along with several of Robert's aunts and uncles and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

They were a remarkable couple, it is hard to imagine one without the other, and it seems God understood that as well, though the world is now darker without two of its brightest lights. They have left us all with many great memories and wonderful stories, and they will always have a place in our hearts.

Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the Norwich Lutheran Church in Norwich, ND on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

Interment: Norwich Lutheran Cemetery, rural Norwich, with a luncheon at the church following our graveside service.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.