BERTHOUD, Colo. -- Karen Joy Frecks, 68, went into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday (Oct. 26, 2008) at her home after a long battle with cancer.
She was born Feb. 13, 1940, on the family farm near Palisade, Neb., to Kenneth Glen and Elizabeth Jane (Miller) Hayward. Karen accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age and remained faithful to her Lord throughout her lifetime. Her early years were spent moving from army post to army post with her father and mother during World War II. She spent her childhood years in McCook, attending McCook schools.
On June, 2, 1957, she married John M. Frecks at Messiah Lutheran Church in Culbertson, Neb. To this union three children, Catherine, Laura, and Lisa were born. Karen and John made their home in McCook. In 1960, Karen and John moved their family to Longmont, Colo., where their third child Lisa was born.
Karen was a homemaker, care giver and helped her husband in building their homes. She enjoyed raising her children and being involved in their childhood projects. Karen was also a member of Allenspark Community Church with Pastor Rex Roth, and a long-time attendant at Calvary Baptist Church of Longmont. She was also involved with her friends of many years in the Tumbleweeds camping group and was an avid Bronco Fan. Karen was also a talented painter and crafter.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Glen Hayward in 1965, her grandparents and her mother's sisters.
She is survived by her husband, John Frecks from Berthoud; mother, Elizabeth Hayward from Longmont; brother, Richard Hayward and wife, Beverly from Missoula Mont., and their family including, Heather and family, Gwen and husband and Drew and family.
She is also survived by daughter, Catherine Simons and husband, Allen from Loveland Colo., daughter, Laura Phipps and husband, Lee from Bellingham, Wash., and daughter, Lisa Connelly and husband, Gary from Fort Collins, Colo. Also five grandchildren, Jeremy Lujan, Tanya McAtee and husband, Kevin, Rachel Phipps, Cameron Gransee and fiancee Kelsey and Stephanie Nelson; Karen's great grandson, Mathew Nelson; uncle Richard Miller and wife, Ardith; cousin, Marsha (Magorian) Huffman and Roy and their family including Ken, Steve and family and Becky; and numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins.
Karen enjoyed her life of many years surrounded by family and many good friends.
Memorial services are 11:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at Calvary Church, 2101 Gay Street, with the Rev. Rex Roth of Allenspark Community Church. Cremation at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hospice of Larimer County, Allenspark Community Church or Calvary Church and sent in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel 326 Terry St. Longmont, CO 80501.
Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to leave condolences for the family.
Ahlberg Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.