Karen was born in Coldwater Michigan, June 17th 1945, to Karl and Blanche Gunnette. She was raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan and was the sassy younger sister to Karlene and Kathleen. Karen graduated college at Western Michigan University. Following her time there she went on a great adventure to Vietnam and Malaysia as a missionary and teacher. After her return to America, she continued her education in seminary school with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Karen was a team minister with her husband Stan in Richland, Washington at Good Shepard Lutheran Church, until his death in 1987. Following the loss of her husband, Karen continued her ministry with Good Shepard until her retirement in 2003. Karen touched many lives through her ministry and friendships.
Karen enjoyed spending time spoiling her four grandchildren and traveling as much as possible. She even went crazy and moved to Edmond, Oklahoma to “enjoy” her retirement.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband Reverend H. Stan Gardner. They shared 12 wonderful years of marriage together. She is survived by her son Joshua Gardner, his wife Amy and their sons Bryce and Elliot of Las Vegas, NV. Her son Jason Gardner, his wife Stephanie and their children Vaughn and Julia of Lawton, OK. Her sisters Karlene Peterson of McMinville, Oregon and Kathleen (Richard) Robison of Sacramento, California and many Nieces, Nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to any foundation in support of Pancreatic Cancer Research.
