Karin Kelsey

Karin Faye Kelsey passed away on Friday April 28th in Grand Junction, CO. Karin was an irrepressible woman with a sharp mind and a quick wit who lived a full life. Her family was always the priority in her life, and she was sure to reinforce that loyalty to her three children (David, Zieger, and Tadd Warner). Karin was born in Chippewa Falls, WI in 1941. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alton & Ethel, brother Bob Thorne, her son David Warner, her grandson Jorden Warner, her ex-husband Oliver Zieg Warner Jr, husband John Griffin, and husband David Kelsey. She is survived by her sons Oliver Zieger Warner III and Tadd Warner, siblings Jerry and Linda, by grandchildren Zieger Warner IV, Keri (Visel) Bonifas, Riley Sisneros, Mikae Reynolds Gietz, Zoe Warner and William Warner, and great grandchildren, Lillian Visel, Landon Visel, Mickey Virginis, Jordyn Geitz, Dexter Gietz, and Layne Gietz, and the newest edition, Lennon Sisneros (Riley’s daughter) who brought joy to her life.

She learned early on that education could be her pathway to success. She earned a bachelor's degree in education (with honors) while raising her three sons. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Silver City, New Mexico and later in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she taught until retirement in 2005. All who had the pleasure of knowing Karin were impressed by her quick wit, sharp mind, generosity, compassion for animals and football and unwavering scruples.

Karin’s three boys were the center of her universe, and she loved them dearly and they loved her. After Karin and Zieg Jr. divorced in 1983, Karin continued to teach and raise her boys. After her sons had all graduated from high school, Karin met and married John Griffin (1945-2008) whom she also loved dearly and the two spent ten years together traveling, watching Green Bay Packer football, raising Nieve (her Samoyed), playing bridge, and enjoying a full life. Karin was devastated when John passed. Through grit and determination and the love of her steadfast companion, Nieve, the strength of her faith, her family, and her bridge community, she carried on. Her life with David Kelsey was happy, filled with bridge, travel, and a shared love for Nieve.

She will be greatly missed by all who came to know and love her.

We will be honoring Karin with a celebration of her life in Albuquerque NM on June 10th at 12 noon at 8172 Ventana Azul Ave NW (home of her son Zieger).