Karen Hanson

On Friday October 22nd Karen Eileen Hanson; our loving wife, mother, sister and friend ended her earthly struggle with cancer and said goodbye to those she leaves behind. She sits with her Lord Savior Jesus until we can meet again. Karen was born in Rapid City SD on February 27, 1948 and grew up in Newell SD on the family ranch. She attended schools in Newell and graduated from high school in 1966. She also graduated from Black Hills State College with a BS in education. Her first teaching assignment landed her in Glendive Montana at Dawson County High School where she met her husband Jack. They married in 1971 and taught in Glendive until 1982. During that time their family expanded adding Jenny and Kurt. From 1982 through 1997 they lived in Bozeman MT where Beth was born. Karen also earned her master's degree from Montana State University and taught in Livingston. From 1997 until her death the family lived Kingston WA where Karen taught at Kings West School and in the Edmonds School District. Karen was always active in her Catholic Church communities teaching and encouraging others to grow in their faith. Karen's zest for life and her love of the Lord were evident in all that she did. Karen cherished her vocation as wife and mother. Always the teacher, she mentored many young people and was called, 'mom' by far more children than her own. Faith, family and friends, were the centerpiece of Karen's heart. She impacted the lives of thousands and leaves behind a great legacy in those she loved. Karen's courageous and spiritual journey through cancer was a beautiful example of living the life God intended. Those who knew Karen, know that greatness is not in doing single great acts, but it is in the small daily acts of living Godly lives that account to greatness. Karen is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jack; Daughters Jenn Rile, Beth Hanson, son Kurt Hanson, brothers Frank Wurnig, Steve Wurnig, and Jim Wurnig and stepmother Bobbie Wurnig and two grandchildren. Services will be held in Bozeman, MT. Memorial Mass will be at 10:00 am on Friday, October 29, 2010 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Community Center. Following the service, Karen will be laid to rest at Sunset Hills Cemetery. For more information see http://cookfamilyfuneralhome.com/index.html.