Karen Marie Schultz, 84, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3900 S. Fairhall Ave, Sioux Falls, SD.

Final resting place will be at the Ogden City Cemetery, Ogden, UT.

Karen was born the first child of Wilbert and Margaret Schultz. She spent the first seven years of her life on a cattle ranch near Towner, North Dakota, before moving into the town of Towner in 1948.

Karen attended the School for the Deaf in Devils Lake, North Dakota, from 1948 until her graduation in 1959. Her education required her to live on campus for nine months each year from grade school through high school, fostering her independence and resilience at an early age. She went on to attend Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., for one year.

Karen began her working life with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before moving to Ogden, Utah, where she worked as a computer key punch operator at Hill Air Force Base until 1970. She continued to reside in Ogden with her parents until the mid-1990s, when she and her mother relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

In Sioux Falls, Karen lived at Crescent Villa and Good Samaritan before making her home at Ponderosa Lodge Assisted Living, where she remained until her passing.

Faith was a cornerstone of Karen's life. As a young adult, she became a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith brought her great comfort and peace, and she remained steadfast in her beliefs throughout her life.

Karen was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Sarah Schultz and Hanna Grondahl; and her parents, Wilbert and Margaret Schultz.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Marla Wilckens; her brother, Dr. T.A. Schultz and his wife, Maureen; as well as three nieces, four grand-nephews, and two grand-nieces.

Karen will be remembered for her quiet strength, enduring faith, and the love she shared with her family.