Karen Elaine Randall, 84, passed away on Tuesday January 20, 2026 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Overland Park, Kansas.
She was born on January 21, 1941 to Otto and Edith Barnett Kneisel in Horton, Kansas. Karen’s mother died unexpectedly in 1950. Two years later Karen was blessed when her father married Edna Hohnbaum in 1952.
Karen was raised on a farm near Powhattan, Kansas. She was active in 4-H . In high school she played basketball, sang in choir and played mellophone in the band.
After high school, she attended nurses training at St Lukes Hospital in Kansas City.
Karen married H. David “Dave” Randall on August  19, 1962.
She worked as a registered nurse at Shawnee Mission Medical Center for over 35 years and helped start and manage the Ask-A-Nurse program there in 1986 until she retired. Karen’s commitment to helping others was a lifelong passion that continued on long after her retirement from nursing. Karen was known for advocating and supporting  family, friends and neighbors to push for  and get the care they needed.

Karen and Dave raised two daughters Sandra and Becky. Karen was a life-long Lutheran and active in her church.

Over the years, she took an active role in her daughters’ and grandchildren’s school, 4-H, sports and church activities. Karen had a sweet spirit and a kind nature.  She treasured her Christian faith, family time, Branson road trips and taking her grandchildren blueberry picking. After retiring, Dave and Karen loved spending several winters at a senior resort community in Arizona.

In her final years Karen struggled with dementia. We rejoice that she is now free from her suffering.

Karen is survived by two daughters, Sandra (David) Story, and Becky (Keith) Bryan; four grandchildren, Kadie Nugent, Justin Bryan, Hayley Nugent and Jared Bryan (Morgan); a sister, Judy (Dennis) Crouch a sister-in-law, Muriel (Bob) Bartlow; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Dave. Her parents, her sisters Betty Adams and Anita Barge. And her granddaughter Molly Nugent.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 8001 Conser St, Ste. 240, Overland Park, KS. 66204.