Karen Sue (Steen) Happel

Karen Sue (Steen) Happel was born November 12, 1947, in Rolla, Missouri. She was born to William Arthur and Alma Marie (Nielsen) Steen. Karen grew up in Rolla and graduated with the class of 1965 from Rolla High School. Karen met her husband, Gary Charles Happel, on a blind date. They fell in love and were united in marriage April 23, 1966, in Salem, Missouri. To this union they were blessed with three children: Gary B., Tracie, and Breann. Karen and Gary shared fifty-eight years creating lasting memories together. In her early working years, she worked in the banking industry and at Barards Lingerie. Karen then started her career with the City of Salem as an administrative assistant. Although she worked outside the home, she considered her most important roles to be a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Karen had talented hands and used her gift to crochet, sew, and cross-stitch. She loved to feed her family and was a wonderful cook. She could often be found in the kitchen cooking and baking their favorite foods. Karen looked forward to Black Friday and her bargain shopping trips with the girls. Karen was one of a kind. She was loving and giving, both of which she did with her whole heart. She was loyal, selfless, strong, and at times stubborn. She was strong in her faith and member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Karen entered eternal rest October 5, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of seventy-six years. Those left behind to cherish her memory include her loving husband: Gary Happel of Salem, MO; children: Gary B. Happel and wife Cindy of Morrisville, MO, Tracie Inman and husband Kendall of Salem, MO, and Breann Valley and husband Anthony of Belle, MO; sister: Eva Lee Studley of Jefferson City, MO; brother-in-law: Don Happel and wife Chris, Marlin Happel and wife Mary; grandchildren: Jodie Richter and husband Will, Tyler Inman, Ryan Happel, Jon Valley, and Peyton Valley; great-grandchildren: Noah, Brooklyn, and Kenzi; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her granddaughters: Kayla Inman and Fayth Valley; parents: William and Alma Steen; brother: Dale Steen; sister: Joyce Ann Steen; father and mother-in-law: Herbert “Hub” and Pauline Happel; and her brother-in-law: Larry Happel. Karen always had a big smile to share. She was a bright spot in the lives of many. Above all things, her greatest joy was her family. She will be forever missed by those who loved her most. Funeral Services for Karen Sue (Steen) Happel were held Friday, October 11, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Ben Pursifull officiating. Song selections played were “It’s Not Easy To Say Goodbye”, “Like My Mother Does”, and “Go Rest High On That Mountain”. Serving as Pallbearers were Tyler Inman, Jon Valley, Peyton Valley, William Richter, Eric Steen, and Nick Happel. Honorary Pallbearers were Kendall Inman, Anthony Valley, and Ryan Happel. Burial was in the Morrison Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Karen Sue (Steen) Happel

November 12, 1947 - October 5, 2024