Karen Kunstle Obituary

Kunstle
Karen Kunstle
June 29, 1935
November 21, 2024

Karen (Olsen) Kunstle
Born June 29, 1935, to parents Elmer and Ruth Olsen, Elm Springs, South Dakota.
In her formative years, Karen attended a one-room country schoolhouse with neighboring children. She graduated from Rapid City High School with honors in 1954.
She graduated from the University of South Dakota cum laude in May 1957, where she was president of her sorority, Chi Omega. Karen moved to Colorado Springs that same year and taught 3rd grade at Washington Elementary in District 11. She earned a master's degree in education from Colorado College.
Karen and Howard (Jake) Kunstle were married at First Presbyterian Church on December 28, 1962. Howard was also a graduate of the University of South Dakota. They were married for 62 years and enjoyed traveling together throughout the world.
She was a member and a past Deacon and Trustee at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Colorado Springs. She was active in many other civic organizations, including the Colorado Springs Day Nursery (Early Connection Learning Centers), the Fine Arts Center, El Paso County Bar Wives Association, Junior League of Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Springs Debutante Ball.
Karen had many friends and was an extraordinary listener. She was loved by all.
She adored her four grandchildren James Kunstle, Rowan Kunstle, Sofia Kunstle, and Julia Kunstle and enjoyed every minute with them.
Karen went to be at peace with our Lord on November 21, 2024. She was surrounded by members of her family. Karen is survived by her husband Howard, her two sons John Kunstle (Amy Kunstle, James and Rowan) and David Kunstle (Stephanie Kunstle, Sofia and Julia). She is also survived by brothers and sisters Walborg "Walli" Robbins (Alhambra, CA), Roberta "Dottie" Olsen (West Covina, CA), Kermit Olsen (San Jose, CA), and Kenneth Olsen (Atlanta, GA).
At Karen's request, she had a small memorial service with her immediate family. An open house reception celebrating her life and memory will be held at the Garden of the Gods Club from 1:00-4:00 pm on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any gifts in remembrance of Karen be made to First Presbyterian Church or Early Connections Learning Center in downtown Colorado Springs.