Karlene Kay Garinger
Karlene Kay Garinger
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Karlene Garinger Obituary
Surrounded by her family, Karlene passed away after a 15 year battle with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) on November 10, 2008. Born June 2, 1961 in McPherson, Kansas, she graduated from McPherson High School in 1979 and Kansas State University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She married Ned Garinger in 1983, moving to Tempe, Arizona to start a career and family. Karlene was a passionate advocate and spokesperson for organ donation following her own double lung transplant in July of 2006. She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Ned, son Nathan and daughter Kenna all of Tempe, AZ; parents Carl and Doreen Ediger of McPherson, KS and brothers Jeff Ediger of Phoenix, AZ and Brent Ediger of Atlanta, GA. As a loving wife, mother and friend, Karlene will be missed and will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew her. A celebration of Karlene's life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 2:00 pm at Dayspring United Methodist Church, 1365 E. Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284, (480) 838-1446. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Karlene's memory to the LAM Foundation, 4015 Executive Park Dr., Suite 320 Cincinnati, Ohio 45241, www.thelamfoundation.org or the Donor Network of Arizona, Education Fund, 201 W. Coolidge Phoenix, AZ 85013, http://www.dnaz.org/Home.aspx. An inurnment will take place in McPherson, KS at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Tempe Mortuary.
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David Spaniol
October 22, 2009
Ned,
My sincere condolences. Karlene was one of those very sweet people you don't often meet in life.
Linda Butler-Brittingham
October 17, 2009
I only learned of Karlene's death at the Class of 79 Reunion this year. Karlene recieved me with open arms as I transferred in as a new student in 79. Karlene was such a dear friend and always had love to share with others in her heart. I will miss her spirit and friendship. May you find peace knowing she is with God.
Linda Butler Brittingham
Ken Colyn
November 15, 2008
Karlene was born a week before me in McPherson. We sat together in band playing the french horn. We also graduated from KSU the same year. I never knew she was living here in the valley. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish I had been able to see her one last time.
Sarah DeLong
November 14, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathy at Karlene's passing. We got to know each other at St. Matthew UMC. I will always remember her sunny personality and positive outlook on life.
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John, Lori, Katie & Ryan Wunder
November 14, 2008
Clede, Ned & Family,
We are sorry to hear of Karlene's passing, but we know that she is now at peace and in a better place. May God give you strength at this difficult time. Your St. Paul's family is praying for you.
Suzie Kiddoo
November 13, 2008
It feels like a light has gone out with Karlene's passing. She always had a bright smile and kind word for everyone no matter what she was going through. We were blessed to know her. Our condolances to her family. We are so sorry.
Carl's cousin Verne Ediger
November 13, 2008
My sincere condolences to the family.
Eileen Siegfried
November 13, 2008
Ned, Nate and Kenna,
We are truly sorry for the loss of Karlene. Karlene's amazing courage was a gift to our lives. Thank you for sharing her beauty with us! May her strength be with you always. Be well, and remember we are here for you any time we can be a friend. Eileen and Kim
Cheryl Shumate
November 13, 2008
Karlene was a beautiful person who left us to soon. Never doubt that your wife and mother is in a better place keeping a watchful eye over you. She will be your guardian angel forever more.
Julie (Fletcher) Cowell
November 13, 2008
Ned, I am so sorry to hear about Karlene. I just loved her when we were Kappas together, and have thought about you all so often. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers - I'm just so proud of her and her strength.
Gretchen Helwig
November 13, 2008
It seems that Karlene shared possibility and sunshine whenever we met. Her smile and laugh still ring with joy. It was a pleasure and a gift to have known her.
God Bless all of you in this time of physical loss.
Love, Gretchen Helwig
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