Karen D Davis

Karen Denise Davis, 57, of Wood River joined her Lord on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, after a brave and hard-fought battle with cancer. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Kevin; her children Tim Davis of Wood River, Eric (Cortney) Davis of Hastings, and Abbie (Matthew) Wecker of Lincoln; her grandchildren Maisie Wecker and Jennings Davis; her father Arthur Palmer of Brainard; and her sisters Debbie (Kevin) Behne of Brainard, Becky (Mark) Weber of Adams, and Mary Lou (Greg) Henn of Pleasant Dale. She is preceded in death by her mother Mary (Otto) Palmer and her father- and mother-in-law Jack and Frances (Marsh) Davis.



A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 19 from 5:00-7:00pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wood River with a rosary to follow at 7:00. The funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 20 at 10:00am at St. Mary's. Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family.



Karen was a shining light to those who knew her and her faith and family were central to everything she did. Among the many roles she happily fulfilled as a farmer's wife, she always found the time to make someone's day better with a plate of cookies, a thoughtful letter, or freshly picked raspberries from her flourishing garden. Even throughout her sickness, she was an enthusiastic volunteer in the Wood River community; contributing to innumerable school activities, mentoring in the Teammates program, teaching CCD classes at church, sewing dresses for children in Haiti, and visiting the elderly, among many other acts of kindness and service. There was no way she would rather spend her free time than playing and interacting with children, especially her grandchildren. Anyone who knew Karen could attest to her deep concern for others and her selfless, generous, sincere, and humble spirit. Karen always had a witty joke when you were least expecting it and a reassuring hug when you most needed it. Her family and friends will greatly miss her listening ear and encouraging words.



Memorials may be made to the Karen Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund, St. Mary's Catholic Church, or an organization of the donor's preference.



Additional survivors include brother-in-laws John (Karen) Davis, David (Cheryl) Davis, Dan (Marian) Davis, and Mike (Glenda Kahler) Davis, sister-in-law Karen (Matt) Moyer, and many nieces and nephews and their children.



Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com