Karen Koenig Siegler

Karen Koenig Siegler passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 in Davis, California, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She was 83 years old.
Karen was born on April 3, 1940 in Carroll, Iowa, to parents Vincent Koenig and Dorothy Schenkelberg Koenig. She enjoyed an idyllic childhood, surrounded by her sisters Vicki and Jaynee, a large extended family, and wonderful friends. Karen graduated from Kuemper High School in Carroll, and then went to the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska.
During college, she met Richard Siegler, who was attending medical school at Creighton University, and they were married in Carroll in June 1963.  After graduating from college in 1962, Karen taught English at Mercy High School and Westside High School in Omaha. Following Richard's graduation, he spent 18 months in Vietnam as an Army doctor. During this time, Karen and their young son Mark returned to Carroll, where they were supported by family and hometown friends. Upon Richard’s return, they lived for a short time in Colorado before settling in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Karen spent her years in Salt Lake City raising their three children, Mark, Matt and Amy, as well as engaging in a number of activities. She played the flute, penned calligraphy, crafted needlepoint, and even tap danced. She was also a life-long lover of literature and spent many years as a member of the Daria Book Club.
In 1984, she returned to teaching, joining the English department at Jordan High School. During her almost 20-year career, Karen received numerous awards for teaching excellence, and was a favorite of her students, many of whom stayed in touch with her for decades.
After they retired, Karen and Richard moved to Davis, California, to be near family and grandchildren, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2013.
Across her life, Karen was known for her wit, her artistic talent, and her ability to make all things beautiful. Whether hosting family for the holidays, or playing bridge with friends, Karen enjoyed life to the fullest. She also had a strong faith, and was an active member of the Catholic Church.
While Karen will be remembered for so many things, her love for her family and friends, and their love for her, will shine the brightest, and she will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Carlton Senior Living in Davis and YoloCares for their compassion and knowledge, so that Karen’s final years and months were lived with dignity and grace.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Dorothy, and her husband, Richard. She is survived by her children Mark Siegler (Lisa), Matt Siegler, and Amy Stout (Chris), as well as her four grandchildren: Henry Siegler, Ava Siegler, Addie Stout, and Liam Stout. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Vicki Koenig (Ken Monk) and Jaynee Cavanaugh (Joe), and a large extended family. There will be a memorial service at a later date for family to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org).