Karen Koester

Karen Koester, 62, lifelong Brenham resident, passed away on August 20, 2020, from health complications related to COVID-19. Karen was a beloved aunt, sister, and friend who will be greatly missed.

Due to current public health concerns associated with COVID-19, no services will be held at this time. In accordance with Karen’s wishes, she will be cremated. At a future date, her ashes will be interred at Prairie Lea Cemetery and the family will host a Celebration of Life gathering in her memory.

Karen was born on February 18, 1958, to parents Arthur and Dolores (Winkelmann) Koester. As a child, she attended Salem Lutheran Church with her family. She attended local grade schools and graduated from Brenham High School in 1976. She attended Blinn College as well as Sam Houston State University. Karen was a very intelligent individual. She valued her education and was fiercely determined to achieve her educational goals.

Karen was employed at Brenham State Supported Living Center from 1976 until her retirement. She started her career in direct care positions, but soon moved to the Quality Assurance department, where she stayed until her retirement. Karen was well suited to this work – she was very precise and detailed but was also very compassionate to those around her.

Karen was an avid reader, enjoying thrilling crime and legal dramas by John Grisham. She enjoyed solitude and could be a homebody. But even though she wasn’t always physically present with her family, she thought of them often and was a very generous person. She was a wonderful cook and she loved sharing her gift with others. Her loved ones were often the grateful recipients of her home-cooked treats. She made excellent chicken spaghetti, and the best chocolate chip cookies in the world! She will also be remembered for her quick wit and great sense of humor.

Karen’s surviving loving family includes: siblings and their spouses: Rebecca Liescheski (Daniel), Michael Koester, Jeanne Mercer, Janet Reichardt (Rod); her beloved nieces and nephews Leigh Beth Nesbit (Will), Sarah Steele (Dave), Adam Mercer, Anna Mercer, Madeline Reichardt, Carter Reichardt. She’s also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

The family asks that memorials in Karen’s honor be made to the World Health Organization - COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.