Karen Ann Gaber
December 14, 1940 - January 06, 2010
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Karen Ann Gaber
December 14, 1940 - January 06, 2010
Obituary
Karen Ann Gaber
Born in Baxter Springs, Kansas on December 14, 1940
Died on January 6, 2010 at Age 69
Resided in Anaheim, California
California Memorial Service: Friday, January 15, 2010
Illinois Memorial Service: Monday, February 8, 2010
Karen Ann Gaber was born on December 14, 1940 in Baxter Springs, Kansas. Karen married James V. Gaber, son of Virgil and Rita Gaber of Galena, at St. Mary’s Church in Galena on July 4, 1959. Karen’s parents were Gladys and William San Souci and her brother was Ron San Souci. Karen is survived by three children, Susan Marie Chotkevys married to Douglas Chotkevys, Patricia Ann Garcia married to Tom Garcia and Michael James Gaber married to Renata Gaber. She also had nine grandchildren, Brett married to Laura Chotkevys, Ashley, Stephanie, Rachel, Maureen, Heather, Danielle, Tommy 1999 & James. Karen is also survived by her Mother in Law, Rita Gaber of Galena and Sister in Law’s Pattie Schleicher married to Larry Schleicher and Margaret Kirchner married to Jerry Kirchner, both from Galena and Charlene Summerlin from Dallas and Bill Gaber married to Carol Gaber from Dubuque, Iowa. Karen also had four nephews and five nieces, Joe, Dan, Tina 2000, David, Cathy, Brian, Shelly, Jodie, and Stacy.
During Karen’s early childhood, the San Souci family moved many times as her father followed work. They lived in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico, Minnesota and Illinois. Eventually the family landed in Galena, Illinois which became their true home. Karen attended elementary and middle school in Galena and eventually graduated from Galena High School in 1958. Karen was a member of the Galena high school band and choir. After high school, she attended and received a diploma from Humboldt School in Minnesota in December 1958. The following year, she married James Virgil Gaber, her high school sweetheart, on July 4, 1959. Susan, their first child was born in 1961 in Wisconsin. Prior to the birth of Patricia, their second child in 1963, the family moved to Anaheim, California. They welcomed their third child, Michael in 1966. Her husband Jim was killed in a work accident in November of 1969 which left her as a single mother at 28 with three children ages 3, 5 & 7. Karen spent the next several years focusing on raising her children. All three children attended St. Justin Martyr School, before going on to Connelly and Servite, both college prep Catholic High Schools in Anaheim. Karen was an active member of St. Justin’s Church for over 45 years, first joining the Parish in 1963. Karen was extremely involved in her children’s lives and focused her time ensuring their education and development. Karen also assumed the responsibility of managing the St. Justin Drill Team, of which both Susan and Patricia were members.
Karen worked for the Pennysaver Magazine in 1977, before accepting a position as a Clerk with the County Of Orange in 1978. Karen worked for the County for 27 years before retiring in 2005 as a Risk Manager. All through these years, Karen managed to attend nearly every game or event her children participated in, while continuing to advance her career.
Karen had many interests, she loved to read, play cards with the family, shop with the granddaughters, play Keno in Vegas, bowl, and travel with her good friends. She especially loved her trip to Greece with Jean and Diane and her annual trip to Mexico with Jean, Diane, Charlie, Cathy and Norma. She also loved the go out with the ‘girls’ on Sunday nights for Chinese food with Jean, Diane, Pat & Ruth. However, she probably got the most satisfaction just attending her Grandkids sporting events, school events and plays. It was not uncommon to see her on the sidelines, cheering on the grandkids and occasionally questioning the coach or the umpire’s calls.
Karen is her families beloved Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister and Aunt. She is the strongest, most independent woman we have ever known and will be greatly missed by all of her family members.
A California Memorial Service will be held at St. Justin Martyr Church on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 10am. An Illinois Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Galena, Illinois on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 10am with a burial thereafter at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Karen spent much of her free time watching her grandchildren playing sports, therefore, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim http://www.theboysandgirlsclub.org/ to further support sports programs for children in her community.
10 responses to Karen Ann Gaber
Gloria and Vincent Garcia says:
January 13, 2010
Dear Friend Karen,
We had our family in common thru your daughter Patty and thru the family boutique.
I will miss you and your great cookies. Hope that you left us the receipe.
We will be there for Patty.
Love,
Vincent and Gloria Garcia
Laura Chandler says:
January 13, 2010
Karen Ann Gaber will be remembered as a successful mother who was devoted to providing the best that she could for her children.
What a wonderful tribute to mankind.
Sunny says:
January 13, 2010
Karen: You will be missed by all of us who had the real pleasure of working with you. You brightened the lives of all of us and your friendship is something we will always cherish. Everyone here sends our consolences to all of your family. They are lucky to have had you as a big part of their lives. We will keep you in our hearts always.
Missing you already: Sunny, Cindy, Vicki, Diane and May
The Alvarez Family says:
January 14, 2010
What a wonderful woman. Karen you will be missed, but never forgotten. Our prayers are with your family at this time. We love you and will miss you….
Isaac, Gerri, Jonathan & Amber Alvarez
Fred and Celia Leon and Family says:
January 15, 2010
Our thoughts are with you all at this time. Your mom left a good name. May we all do the same. Ecc 7:1