Obituary

Karen Leitch Grosswiler ran to the arms of her Savior on May 29, 2024, at the age of 78.

She was born June 14, 1945 in Kalispell, MT, to Dr. Neil and Mrs. Marion Leitch. Growing up on the east side of town, she built friendships in her childhood that would last a lifetime. After she met Jim Grosswiler in a typing class in the spring of 1960, she took the bold step of inviting him to the Rainbow Dance the following August. They were together from then on, marrying in 1965. Their union of fifty-eight years was a testimony to all—marked by joy, unconditional love, respect, service, and mutual faith in Christ.

Karen studied nursing at Montana State and worked as an R.N. at Kalispell General, and later for a group of surgeons in Laguna Hills, CA. For the majority of her life, she threw herself into being a stellar homemaker, delighting in cooking and baking for her family and friends, sewing, and decorating with an artistic eye. She and Jim loved to welcome friends and family into their beautiful Mission Viejo home, as well as their treasured Montana lake cabin. She was an integral part in forming countless treasured memories everywhere she went.

A lifelong learner, Karen was hungry to know more about many subjects, but most intensely interested in anything her family was pursuing. She invested in daily Bible study, frequently taking part in groups, which bonded her with many close friends over the decades.

Before rheumatoid arthritis increasingly limited her physical activity, she was an enthusiastic runner, hiker, tennis player, water- and snow-skier. She also loved reading, music, and singing in the church choir, as well as serving her community and friends in need.

Karen chose hope and faith, time and time again, which carried her—along with a sassy sense of humor—through thirteen surgeries and other trials. To the end she clung to that optimism, because she loved her life and her people…as well as her three dogs and many grand-dogs. It comforts her family to think of that pack of dogs—as well as all the beloved people who have passed before her—welcoming Karen to the best reunion ever.

A celebration of Karen’s life will take place at their church of fifty-three years, Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo, CA on June 23, 2024 at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mount of Olives Foundation, which funds long-term projects (most recently, a playground for their preschool), at moochurch.org/give/foundation.