Mrs. Karen Ann Walter

Her early years were those of a carefree child, but she was always very mature and wise beyond her years. As a young child, she regularly organized the neighborhood kids to practice civil defense drills following World War II. She taught sewing classes to young girls in the family basement. As an 8th grader, she informed her father that she wanted to be a nun. Knowing his daughter, he knew if she made that decision at that age there would be no turning back. He wisely told her, if she still felt that way after graduating high school that he would fully support her decision. Her father passed away when she was 15 and Karen took on the role of head of household, taking over the family finances. She attended high school at St. Mary’s Academy in Milwaukee and in her sophomore year, met the man she would eventually marry, finding her true life calling. Her faith remained a constant.

As an adult, her faith and family were most important to her. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Road trips were always planned to a “T” complete with obscure roadside attractions. She was very active in her children’s lives - always the first to volunteer to go on school field trips and active on the school board. While her naval officer husband was on an unaccompanied tour, she took it upon herself to apply to be a foster parent and over the course of several years, the family cared for 13 foster babies. Karen was an avid reader, an accomplished seamstress, a talented ballet dancer and enjoyed crafts, needlepoint in particular. She graduated from Barat College in Lake Forest, IL with a B.A. in Psychology/Business, an accomplishment of which she was most proud. She worked for many years managing benefits, insurance and pension plans for small companies.

Karen and her late husband were very involved in Greyhound Rescue as well as pet therapy with the San Antonio Dog Training Club and Delta Pet Partners. She was an active member of the Central Texas Chapter of the Train Collectors Association and was also very involved with Right to Life at church. She participated in a neighborhood rosary group and was an active member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Karen is preceded in death by Robert G. Walter, her husband of 53 years. She is survived by daughters Tara Walter, Kiernan Bryant and son-in-law Matthew, grandchildren Alexander and Connor, brother Michael, sister Jennifer Rogers and brother-in-law Ira.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project or The Gary Sinise Foundation.