Karen Wanner

Karen Ruth Wanner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and dear friend passed peacefully into the care of our Lord Jesus Christ on June 30, 2022, after a valiant fight with breast cancer. Karen is survived by her husband of 58 years, Thomas Wanner, Jr.; her children Bethanne (Scott) Van Horn, Steven Wanner, and Jill (Jonathan) Burch; grandchildren Thomas Van Horn, Andrew Van Horn, Brittney Latina, Kate-Lyn Wanner; great grandchildren Korey Latina, Emilyn Latina; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, plus many children and grandchildren “in love” who have called her “mom” and “grandma” through the years.

Karen was born Dec 5, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Dorothy and Roy Evans. She grew up in St. Louis twirling baton, roller skating, and attending youth group at Salem Lutheran Church in Affton, Missouri. She met her high school sweetheart and lifelong husband Tom at Lindbergh High School, and the greatest love story began. Karen and Tom married at Salem Lutheran on November 2, 1962.

Karen and Tom loved to travel! In the early days, they camped with their children all over the United States from the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee to the Giant Redwoods in California, and even a brief visit to Mexico. After the kids were grown they ventured farther to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, the Caribbean, and even China and Russia.

Karen was an expert seamstress, wonderful cook, and baker. She was know for making all the birthday cakes and needlepoint Christmas stockings for everyone in the family! She loved her family fiercely and never missed an important event for her kids, grand children, and great grandchildren—attending more plays, concerts, science fairs, graduations, parties, and field trips than anyone can count! She touched the lives of many across the US and beyond, leaving only wonderful memories and positive experiences in her wake.

A Celebration of Life and Reception will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022, visitation starting at 10am, with a service to follow starting at 11am at Hope Lutheran Church, 1904 McArthur Drive, Jacksonville, AR 72076. The family would like everyone who would like to participate to be invited to a lunch following the celebration of life at Hope Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society or Hope Lutheran Church (re Wanner Memorial Fund).

Please leave online memories, photos, and messages for the family on the Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home website for inclusion in a special memorial book for Tom and the family.