Karen Elizabeth Kistner

Karen Elizabeth (Cunningham) Kistner, 58, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, after nearly a seven-year courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on April 29, 1967, in Middletown, OH, to Glenn and Donna (Dunning) Cunningham. She was joined later by two younger brothers, Chris and Brad (Tosha) Cunningham.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Eric Kistner, and her five children, Kyle (Brandy), Christy, James, Sarah, and Melissa. She was also the proud grandmother of three grandchildren, Charles, Charlotte, and Claudia. While Karen had no biological sister, her special decades-long friendship with Kim Carpenter was as strong as any bond siblings experience. She is also survived by her parents, parents-in-law, Ken and Kathy, and a large collection of in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews who all loved and cherished her and will miss her tremendously. Karen was preceded in death by both her paternal and maternal grandparents, as well as aunts and uncles on both sides. It was an open secret that Karen was the favorite grandchild of Ruth and niece of her Aunt Kay, but no one was offended because all the other grandkids, nieces, and nephews knew it was justified, as she was all of our favorites, too.

Karen discovered early on in adulthood that she was not cut out for corporate life. She had little interest in business, spreadsheets, or anything to do with finances. However, it will come as no surprise to anyone if, in the days ahead, it is discovered that she was a majority shareholder in Target, Chick-Fil-A, Amazon, or Dorothy Lane Market. Had she taken an aptitude test, those who knew her best believe she would have excelled as a safety inspector or risk analyst. Safety first was not just a cliché to Karen; it was a way of life. She devoted many working hours as an internet researcher and ChatGPT processor, although it was in a volunteer capacity. Karen had a tremendous and witty sense of humor, and this description of her professional resume would have been thoroughly enjoyed and fully embraced. One of the things that will be most missed is the laughter she shared with those she loved.

Success occurs when those who know you the best, love you the most. In that regard, Karen was a tremendous success in life. Karen had one goal when it came to vocation. To find her greatest joy in her family. The overwhelming majority of her adult life was spent as a homemaker. She was one of the most nurturing and selfless people any of us had ever known. There were no limits to the sacrifices she was willing to make for her children. Her compassion and motherly love extended to everyone in her orbit, nieces, nephews, brothers, and even the biological parents of the four wonderful children she and Eric adopted.

Compassion, nurturing, and a humility that thinks of yourself less often are all attributes that all of humanity should strive for. However, the most important adjective to describe Karen was forgiven. At a young age, Karen recognized her need for a Savior and received Christ. As her adult years unfolded, her spiritual pursuits spanned a broad exploration of various Christian denominations. And true to her nature, she was able to appreciate the beauty of Christ in each of them. However, her deep appreciation for the reflection and contemplation of liturgical worship helped her find a home in the Catholic Church, living out her faith next to her family, which is what she always desired.

On April 14, those who loved Karen experienced a tremendous loss. But we are deeply comforted by the truth that Karen experienced great gain. The Apostle Paul said that for a follower of Jesus, “To live is Christ, but to die is gain.” Not because of anything that Karen had done, but because of what Christ had done on her behalf. 1st Corinthians 15:54-57:

54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We grieve the earthly loss of Karen deeply, but not as those who have no hope. (1st Thessalonians 4:13)

Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at St Mary of the Assumption Church, 9579 Yankee Road, Springboro, Ohio with interment to follow at Springboro Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the Anderson Funeral Home- Springboro Chapel, 40 North Main Street, Springboro, Ohio from 5-8 pm on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Online condolences or memories may be left for the family at www.anderson-fh.com.