Our sweet, kind, and precious wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma passed on into the arms of her loving Jesus on December 19, 2023 one day shy of her 55th wedding anniversary. Karen Jo Wallace Krpan, was born on October 1, 1946 in Price, Utah to Grant Hobbs Wallace and Lelia Liddell Wallace. Early in her childhood the family moved to Bellair, Ohio and then to Wheeling, West Virginia where she graduated from Triadelphia High in 1964. After a short move back to Price after graduation, she then followed her parents to Rock Springs, Wyoming. This move would change her life forever. While cruising Dewar Drive, Karen laid eyes on a handsome man that she knew one day she would marry. After a six-week courtship, Karen married Michael James Krpan on December, 20 1968. They built a beautiful life together and welcomed the first of three daughters, Marjorie Kay, in 1971. Marianne arrived three years later. Karen’s parents returned to Price and in 1976 Karen and Jim moved to Utah so that the girls could be close to their grandparents. Shortly after the move, Karen found out she was pregnant and in 1977, Jeannie Marie was born. Karen’s girls would fill her heart and life with happiness, some frustration too, but ultimately, they were her pride and joy. As her family grew, her love grew too. With the addition of three sons-in-law Marc, Rob and Mike, she finally had boys around and loved them each as if they were her own. It was during these years that Karen took a brave step and pursued her college degree at the College of Eastern Utah, receiving her Associates degree and a newfound confidence. Karen’s true joy came from the birth of her grandchildren, first with the arrival of Cameron, making a point to visit him every day for the first year of his life. Each baby expanded her ability to love and this was evident as she spoke about them. She was the best grandma and loved sharing in every part of her grandkid’s lives. She looked forward to her daily video chats with her new great-grandson, Lane, and shared with everyone how much she adored him.
One of Karen’s greatest comforts and the sources of peace was her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus. In 2003, she made a life changing decision and gave her life to the Lord.
This was a major highlight for her and she shared her faith with boldness and clarity. She was so secure in her faith and looked forward to the promise of heaven. While we will miss her more than anything we find comfort in knowing that she has received the reward that she looked forward to.
Karen leaves behind her husband, Michael (Jim) Krpan, her daughters Marjorie (Robert) Budrow, Ogden, Marianne (Marc) Shiner, Price, and Jeannie (Mike) Bullard, Rigby, Idaho. Grandchildren, Cameron (Mikaila) Shiner, Price, Hailey (Eric) Olson, Rigby, Idaho, Devan Shiner, Helper, Brooklyn Bullard, Logan, and Xander Bullard, Rigby, Idaho. The light of her life, great-grandson, Lane Joseph Olson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Scott Wallace, Emily Wallace and Rita Martin and her sister-in-law Jackie Donald.
Karen was a member of Price Chapel Christian & Missionary Alliance and a member of the local Daughter of the Utah Pioneers. She looked forward to her monthly Bunco group and the happiness it brought when she won Bunco.
Celebration of Life, Saturday, December 23, 2023, 10:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Burial will be in the Cliffview Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Karen online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net