Adam Krell said...

These are some messages that were sent on sympathy cards:

"Karen was so welcoming and caring, truly Christ-like. We will miss her."

"We are richer for having known Karen and the intimate place that she will always hold in all of your hearts. Your life together whispers of a better one yet to come."

"Our hearts go out to you and we pray that God will meet all your needs. What a beautiful soul Karen was! Thank you, Lord for her life."

"We have been blessed by Karen's joy, excitement and faith that has encouraged us over the years here in [mission field omitted]! She has been a faithful saint in the community there, a real champion for the Lord's work!"

"No words can express the sorrow that has pierced our hearts. Karen will be sorely missed."

"We grieve with you at the loss of such a dear, sweet spirit. There are no words sufficient to comfort; but praise God that you are all connected to the God of all comfort!"

"I have such wonderful memories of Karen. She was always a true and loving friend. What a pleasure to have these memories and to have Karen as a friend! I appreciate her passion for Christ and others. What a beautiful example of Christ she was to everyone. She was a beautiful person inside and out."

"What a lovely expression of Christ's love and nature your Karen was. She was so full of fun and love."

"It is comforting to know that Karen's excitement for, support of, and gladsome exuberance in community life has more than prepared her for the 'community life' which is Heaven - there she is as one of the 'great cloud of witnesses' urging you and all of us to perfect on earth the Image of what she is now experiencing in the Presence of her Blessed Lord and Redeemer."

May 24, 2008 at 7:11 AM

Dave Kobus said...

From my eyes, Karen was always busy serving in one way or another. I benefited from her in many ways. Karen loved God, and that love out poured on her family and all of us. Karen was fun and energetic. Karen seemed like she was constantly looking and planning out, the next thing to do. I guess one of the main things i could say about Karen is that she looked for truth and she took it on, being shaped and molded by it.

May 27, 2008 at 4:21 PM

Unknown said...

I knew Karen from Faith Baptist Church when we were in youth group together. The thing I'll always remember about Karen is her sweet Christ like personality and infectious smile.

Like Tim, I lost my wife suddenly in March. We were just three months shy of our 20th wedding anniversary. I totally understand the pain and heartache that Tim is going through and my prayers for healing go out to him.

June 5, 2008 at 12:52 PM

Kelcy said...

Just a few months ago, I was struggling with some things and Karen came over to my house and stuck this note under my door on a Sunday morning: "Kelcy, I've been thinking about you and praying for you for strength and health in the midst of being pregnant and a busy schedule" (no one was ever busier than Karen)"And too remembering what you shared last Saturday--Remember, our struggle is not against flesh and blood-though Satan fights hard, accusing the brethren and God constantly to us to make us think it is. Stand Firm! Have faith--remember all God has done in your life, where He's brought you. He's for you! I am for you! Don't believe otherwise. If you get weary and need help with anything, I'm here. I mean it, just let me know. Love, Karen"

When I read those words she wrote "Stand Firm!" it reminds me of how she was. Her life challenges me in this, that she was steadfast, unwavering, undoubting, and full of faith. I'm so glad I have this small concrete memory. It was precious to me when she gave it to me as a sign of friendship, and it is even more precious to me now as a symbol of who she was and what she lived for.

June 5, 2008 at 7:19 PM

Margie said...

Since the p