Karen L. Stern

KAREN L. STERN February 21, 1959 ~ April 13, 2020 Karen L. Stern, age 61, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020 in San Antonio, TX. Karen was born on February 21, 1959, in San Antonio, to parents, Benny Ham and Natalie Feagin. Karen met her husband, Dan, while working at USAA, which she, at times, referred to as the prison (jokingly?). But Dan certainly benefited from her time there, as she made him the happiest man on earth. She retired from USAA after 30 years with her last job working in a support role to the CEO and Board of Directors. She established many special relationships during those 30 years. Karen was a large personality and could be the dearest, most loyal friend. She was also artistic, remarkably creative, colorful, and outspoken. She loved to entertain by planning, organizing and throwing parties for every occasion. She truly loved having family members together on holidays at, as she called it, Rancho Not So Grande. Karen loved many things, bright colors, clothes, cowboy boots, ice cold beer, cheap red wine, but her greatest treasures were her husband and her children. She was so proud of her husband and always shared how lucky she was to have him. And though she may have complained a bit about not liking soccer (actually she did not like it), she went to many matches and tournaments, even when it was hot, to cheer Landry on. After soccer there was plenty of volleyball, basketball (where she would cheer "Knock 'em down Landry) and band. Karen did not know an end around from a tight end, but she committed many hours to supporting Kristian in his football playing career, including mastering the art of tailgating at UTSA games. Karen did not create the term helicopter parent, but she vigorously embraced the concept. Karen had an enthusiasm for fund raising as demonstrated by working at and later running the Sangria booth at NIOSA, chairing the Witte Game Dinner after serving on several different committees, and her work on the Cattle Barons Gala benefiting the American Cancer Society. But her favorite projects were those raising funds for the school band and the athletic department. We are confident the band leaders and coaches remember those experiences quite well and may still be hiding. She was preceded in death by, her mother, Natalie Feagin grandparents John and Jackie Ham and grandmother Irene Morlandt. Karen L. Stern is survived by her father, Ben Ham and his wife Sharon; her loving husband Dan Stern; her son, Kristian Stern, his fiancé Jamie Lee Turner; her daughter, Landry Stern; her sister Kelly Ham and many nieces and nephews and other honorary family members. Karen had great compassion for those in need and with that thought please remember her in any small way such as giving a delivery driver an extra dollar as a tip and more specific remembrances may be made to Roy Maas Youth Alternatives or the San Antonio Food Bank. Karen did not want a formal "funeral," so when possible, we will have the Day of Karen with lots of ice-cold beer, cheap red wine, and loud rock and roll music. Announcements will be sent when a date is set.