Karen Irma Stegemann

Karen Irma Stegemann, 67, a kind loving soul, left this world peacefully the morning of Monday, October 22, 2018 at University Hospital in Columbia, Mo. due to complications from pneumonia. Karen had most recently resided at an individualized supported living home in Holts Summit, Mo. Karen was born on September 2, 1951, in Jefferson City, Mo., daughter of the late Victor G. and Irene C. Renkemeyer Stegeman. Karen attended St. Peter's Special Education Program and Jefferson City High School special education classes. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City. She worked for a number of years at Sheltered Workshop (Capitol Projects) in Jefferson City. Karen was a very special person to all who knew her. She loved to spend time with her family and her caregivers. She loved shopping, bowling, playing bingo, dancing, listening to music, crossword puzzles, embroidery, Friday Night Rec, the colors purple and pink, orange sherbet, yogurt and diet pop. She was kind hearted and would do anything asked of her. She was thrilled by simple pleasures like helping with the dishes, folding towels, making cookies with her Mom, and sparklers on the 4th of July. She enjoyed going to Camp Wonderland, participating in Special Olympics, and took great pride in her work at the Sheltered Workshop where she was able to earn her own money. She had a generous spirit and loved to buy candy for her nieces and nephews and socks for the guys. She was devoted to her faith and loved to pray, especially when she led the prayers before meals at family gatherings. When she received birthday cards or cards for other special occasions, she was insistent on reading each card word-for-word. She dearly loved children and her special four-legged friends, Tinker Bell and Skeeter. She will be fondly remembered by her surviving siblings: her twin brother, Kenneth (Mary), of Mary's Home, Mo., and brothers, Dennis Stegeman (Mary Ann) of Holts Summit, Mo. and Dale Stegeman of Jefferson City, Mo.; two sisters, Jeanette Steele (Charles) and Debbie Branson, both from Jefferson City, Mo.; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. Karen will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Victor G. Stegeman (May 12, 2008), Irene C. Stegeman (October 26, 1990); brother, Stanley J. Stegeman (March 2, 1982); sister, Donna S. Braun (March 13, 2005); brothers-in-law, Stephen C. Braun (November 24, 2014) and Louis W. Branson (October 29, 2016); and godparents, Norbert and Irma Stegemann. Visitation for Karen will be Sunday, October 28, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Houser Millard Funeral Home, 2613 W. Main Street, Jefferson City, Mo., with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. Additional visitation is scheduled for Monday, October 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 1206 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, Mo. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 29, at Immaculate Conception Church with Rev. Geoffrey A. Brooke and Rev. Ignazio C. Medina officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, 3015 W. Truman Blvd., Jefferson City, Mo. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Karen are suggested to Immaculate Conception Church, 1206 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101 and Vogelweid Learning Center, 314 W. High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank all of Karen's wonderful caregivers, especially Finck Supported Living Services, for the loving care provided to her. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109; (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.