Karen Sue (Fry) Kliewer

Karen Sue (Fry) Kliewer, 83 of Castle Rock, Colorado passed away Tuesday March 21, 2023, only 16 days after her husband K. R. "Rich" Kliewer died. Karen was born in Springfield, Missouri to Carroll and Opal (Johnson) Fry. Karen was the eldest of 3 sisters and "daddy's favorite". She always had a book in her hand and endured much loss to the war as a young midwestern child. Karen moved to Topeka, Kansas while in High School where she met her future husband, Rich. Karen's love for language and writing led to her strong academics, and degree with honors from the University of Kansas. Karen went on to become an elementary school teacher in Topeka, Kansas and later Palo Alto, California while also a devoted mother to two. Karen was an active recruiter for the University of Kansas athletics during the 1970's, spent a year as Cub Scout den mother in the 80's, and Jenks HS Basketball and Football Booster club President during the 90's and later an editor for the local Castle Rock newspaper, The Connection. Karen always enjoyed gathering around the table with friends and family for a game or a good meal and was often found completing any crossword puzzle she ever met. Karen was an incredible cook, extremely bright (her classmates said she was an English Genius), she was determined and strong-willed. She was a much-loved daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, wife, teacher and friend but anyone that knew her, knew her grandsons were the light of her life, and she was most proud to be called Nana. She was most happy being a central figure in the lives of her children and grandchildren and the number one fan on the sidelines. Karen was a doting and adoring mother and grandmother always providing love, support and lots of good eats to her family. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and youngest sister, Joyce (Fry) Wales of Knoxville, Tennessee. Karen is survived by her younger sister Ina Marie Albertson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, two sons David Kliewer of Missouri and Justin (and Jen) Kliewer and three grandsons of Colorado. The family will host a service for both Karen and Rich simultaneously at Ft. Logan National Cemetary in Denver, Colorado on Tuesday, June 13th at 1:15pm. If attending the service please arrive to staging area C by 1pm. Immediately following the service, the family will host a celebration of life at the home of Justin and Jen Kliewer.