Karen Kraft's Obituary
Karen Ann Kraft, daughter of Edward and Darlene Petrowski Kiefer, was born November 19, 1958, at Fort Collins, Colorado. She departed this life Thursday, May 19, 2011, in her home, near Falcon, Missouri, at the age of fifty-two years, and six months.
On October 19, 1985, she was united in marriage to Thomas R. Kraft, and to this union one daughter was born.
Karen is survived by her husband, Tom, of the home; a daughter, Rebecca Mitschele, and her husband, Wayne, of Richland, Missouri; her parents, Ed and Darlene Kiefer, of Fort Collins, Colorado; a brother, Mike Kiefer, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; a sister, Rita Webster, and her husband, Jim, of Salida, Colorado; her maternal grandmother, Ida Petrowski, of Fort Collins, Colorado; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado. Liking to travel, at the age of twenty-one, she decided to make a trip on her 10 speed bicycle from Colorado to Lynchburg, Missouri. She then decided to make her home in that area, and soon after met Tom. Five years later they were married, and made their home in the Competition community. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her family, Karen also worked for the Missouri Highway Department for a few years, at Shoney?s Restaurant, Shepherd Hills Outlet Store, as a cook at the Competition School, and as the manager of Sign Express.
Karen was saved in 1990, at the Competition Baptist Church, and became an active member of First Baptist Church in Lebanon about three years ago. She was involved in Sunday school, Project 25/35, and small groups at First Baptist. She had developed a quest for spiritual things and was always interested in helping others.
She played the banjo and was part of an all girls stringed band for several years. She had an outgoing personality and never met a stranger. She was always very determined in everything she did. She enjoyed gardening and caring for her three dogs, which were very important to her. She loved her family dearly and was eagerly anticipating the birth of her first grandchild.
Karen was a loving wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories she created for them throughout the years.
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