Karen Gedemer

Karen Ellen Gedemer of Plano passed away peacefully on the morning of March 16th, 2024. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 5,1944, the cherished daughter of Elda and Edwin Smith. The loss of Karen's father at a young age created within her a profound sense of empathy and kindness. These qualities would define her life's journey and shape her into the remarkable person she became.
Karen spent her teenage summers working at the American Linen Supply. She graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School and attended Normandale College before beginning her career at IBM which spanned 48 years. Her selflessness and dedication earned her the admiration and dedication of colleagues, friends and family alike.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen found her greatest joy and fulfillment in her role as a devoted wife to Alan Gedemer, mother to Cassandra and Tim, mother-in-law to Lennart and Julie and "Grammy" to Sophia, Linnea, Stefan, Danielle and Nathan. Karen's love and generosity knew no bounds to those she touched and her essence remains woven into the fabric of countless lives, a true testament to the power of her love and unending sweetness of her spirit.
Karen was preceded in death by her mother Elda, her father Edwin, and her sister Diane.
The celebration of Karen's life will take place at Allen Family Funeral Options on Friday April 5, 2024 at 11:00 am, the day that she would have celebrated her 80th birthday. To view a live webcast of the service please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/99604
Karen's family would like to thank all the staff at Texas Oncology at Medical City Dallas. We specifically want to thank Jessica Pelini for her tireless effort during Karen's treatment for MDS/AML throughout the past 4 years. Her family will forever be grateful to everyone at T.Boone Pickens Hospice for providing a peaceful and loving place for Karen to be welcomed into the arms of her Savior.
In her honor, donations can be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society which provided grant funds for Karen's medical treatment, or PEO International which Karen so lovingly served in her commitment to improving women's lives with educational grants. https://givenow.lls.org/ https://www.peointernational.org/
Though she may be gone from our sight, her spirit will forever illuminate our lives, guiding us with the lessons of love, generosity, compassion and resilience she so beautifully embodied.