Karen Foster

Karen Foster, beloved wife, sister, mother, Nonna, and friend, passed away on Sunday July 20,2025 at the age of 67, after complications associated with multiple myeloma. Surrounded by her loving family, she left this world with the same strength, grace that she carried throughout her life.

Karen was born on January 16,1958 to Leo and Mary “Jeanne” Casey in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She met the love of her life, John Foster in Fort Dodge through close friends and they married on May 12, 1984. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love and joy, welcoming their only child in June 1988.

In June 2013, Karen was diagnosed with multiple myeloma—a diagnosis she faced with bravery, determination, and an unshakable faith. She fought with everything she had for over a decade, never letting her illness define her. In 2023, she underwent a life-changing leg amputation due to cancer-related complications. Even then, Karen’s spirit never dimmed. She met each challenge with courage, grace, and a sense of humor that lifted everyone around her.

Karen was truly the life of the party—the one who could light up a room with her smile, her laugh, and her infectious energy. She was the glue that held her family together, a constant source of love, support, and laughter. Her greatest joy in life was being “Nonna” to her grandchildren, a role she embraced with boundless love and excitement.

A proud member of the Camaro Club of Kansas City, Karen found joy in community, camaraderie, and cruising with her husband by her side. She was also an active member of the multiple myeloma support group, inspiring others with her courage and optimism even on the toughest days.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted Catholic, Karen’s belief in God never wavered—even after her diagnosis. She leaned into her faith with strength that inspired everyone around her, showing us all what it truly means to live with hope and purpose.

Karen’s love for her family was endless. She leaves behind her devoted husband John; her loving daughter Casey (Bryan) Modersohn; her cherished grandchildren Aidan, Brody and Carah; and her faithful dog, Foxy. She is also survived by her brother Mark (Kathy) Casey; her sister Roseann (Al) Murray and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; Leo and Mary Jeanne Casey and her brother in law; Al Murray.

We are heartbroken by the loss of Karen, but comforted in knowing that her light will continue to shine through everyone she loved and touched. Her strength, her laughter, and her fierce love will never be forgotten.

A funeral Mass will be held at Prince of Peace on Saturday July 26, 2025 at 10am with a Rosary before at 9:30am. Visitation will be at Penwell- Gabel on Friday July 25, 2025 from 6-8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made in Karen’s memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

“She fought with everything she had, and even in the hardest moments, she found a way to make the best of every situation.”

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