Karen Louise Edwards (Klingler), born in the spirited town of Belle Fourche, SD, on August 2, 1960, embarked on her grandest adventure yet, leaving us with a lifetime of memories on February 12th, 2024, in Gillette, WY. Known for her boundless heart and ever-present smile, Karen transformed every act of kindness into an art form, living by the mantra that a day without laughter was a day wasted.
After a storied career with the Campbell School District, Karen traded lesson plans for storybooks, retiring in 2020 to assume her most cherished role as ‘Grandma Extraordinaire’. Her granddaughter, Emery, became the apple of her eye and the co-conspirator in cookie baking escapades.
Karen’s green thumb was legendary; her garden was a vibrant tapestry of nature’s palette, and she often joked that she was a ‘plant whisperer.’ Her love for the great outdoors was only matched by her passion for family expeditions. From the peaks of mountains to the depths of valleys, Karen was the family’s tour guide to wonder.
She is survived by her intrepid explorers: son Chris Edwards, daughter Kalee Edwards, and granddaughter Emery Edwards. Her fellow adventurers also include brothers, Kirk (Connie) Klingler and Keith (Pattie) Klingler, and sister Keelee (Ken) Frost. Karen’s prelude was composed by her parents, Eldon Boyd Klingler and Agnes Lorraine Klingler, who set the stage for her beautiful symphony of life.
The curtain will rise for one final standing ovation at St James Episcopal Church on Saturday, February 24th at 10:00 am, where friends and family are invited to share stories, laughter, and perhaps a garden tip or two. Kline Funeral Home of Belle Fourche, SD, has been given the honor of orchestrating Karen’s last production.
For those unable to attend Karen’s funeral service it will be live streamed at the link listed below.
As we bid farewell to Karen Louise Edwards, let us plant seeds of joy in her memory, ensuring that her garden of love continues to bloom in our hearts forever.
An online guest book and video tribute is available at klinefuneralchapel.com
