Karen Jo Reel

Karen Kaul (Reel) grew up in Garden Grove, California. She graduated from Garden Grove High School in 1966. Karen married her first love, Robert Reel, in June of 1967 and while he served in Vietnam, she earned her Associates degree at Fullerton Community College. In 1971, the journey into parenthood started as she and Bob welcomed their son, Jeremy. Their joy grew even more when their daughter, Jaime, was born in 1976.

Karen loved interior design and owned/operated a successful wallpaper business with her friend, Joan, in Southern California. As time marched forward and wallpaper was not as popular, Karen went into commercial property management. Karen's leadership was unparalleled -- from keeping office supplies stocked to overseeing contractors for expansion projects to the highest standard. However, her finest work was demonstrated as a single mother. She loved nothing more than spending time with her children which included: coaching Jeremy's soccer team or sewing Jaime's dance costumes. Kindness was the number one virtue she taught them and her smile exuded warmth.

In the 90's, Karen met her next love, John Grossman, at the Garden Grove Elks. They soon discovered they enjoyed camping, horseshoes, and bowling -- but their favorite shared activity was their love of music. Together, they attended annual events such as: Portland's Blues Festival, Zydeco Lobster Festival in Long Beach, Gator by the Bay in San Diego and any live music they could find. They were devoted partners for 28 years.

Once retired, Karen moved to Oregon to be closer to her grandson, Bryce, and daughter, Jaime. During this chapter, she lived her life enjoying Oregon's farm country because it reminded her of the strawberry fields and citrus groves of her childhood in Garden Grove, CA. She looked forward to attending Saturday matinees at Broadway Rose Theater, was an avid cook testing out new recipes, and enjoyed the community of her Moose family. In 2016, karen spearheaded the Iron Chef fundraiser at the Wilsonville Moose Lodge which is still going strong today. Additionally, she served as Treasurer and was awarded Star Recorder 2019 by Moose International.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her children Jeremy Reel (Nicole Reel) and Jaime Reel, her life partner, John Grossman, two grandchildren, Bryce Robinson and Lincoln Reel, and her brother Randy Kaul. She was a second mom to Jaysen Reel (Daniele MacKenzie), and grandmother to Matix.

Karen Reel's life will be honored at a Celebration of Life hosted at the Garden Grove Moose Lodge on September 3, 2026 at 4:00 pm. A private family interment will take place at Forest Lawn in Cypress on September 5, 2026 followed by a commemorative reception at the Garden Grove Elks Lodge at 5:00 pm. An additional Celebration of lIfe will be held at the Wilsonville Oregon Moose Lodge on September 12, 2026 at 4:00 pm.

In its warm and loving embrace, Heaven hold Karen Reel gently. Hearing songs or trying new dishes, will always bring forth fond memories of her. Gone from our sight but never our hearts, her love lives on until we meet again -- where her light shines eternal and the music never ends. We love you, Mom!