Karen Lee Klingener

In loving memory of Karen Klingener who passed away at Newton Medical Center on Monday, December 18, 2023, after a long illness.
Born to Alan and Vera Tillison in Hamburg NJ, Karen lived in Franklin NJ for most of her life. She worked as a Legal Secretary for the law firm Kovack, Fitxgibon, and Guveritz, and then later for Jennifer Kovach.
Karen was a member of American Legion Post 132 in Franklin NJ and an Air Force Veteran. She enjoyed taking "road trips" to visit family and going to Atlantic City with her sister Mary Ellen and friend Pam Caramanna. Everything about her was family and friend focused.
Karen will always be remembered for her many unique quirks, too many to list lol, as she was one of a kind. We'll continue to imagine hearing her say things like "is there enough wine" or "I can't eat that." As a female biker, she owned two motorcycles, which on occasion would even be parked in her living room. She was at Woodstock in 1969! She was appropriately at the top of her game during a significant time in women's rights, pioneering what or who a woman is or isn't.
We couldn't have asked for a better Sister-Aunt-Friend and will miss her every day. Karen's memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved and knew her.
Karen is predeceased by her father and mother, Alan and Vera Tillison, her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Donald Kovach, and her great nephew, Elias Alan Darvalics.
She is survived by her brother, Wayne Tillison, and his wife Molly of Ogdensburg, NJ, her sister, Mary Ellen Darvalics, of Arlington, VA, and her many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
There will be a private cremation under the direction of F. John Ramsey Funeral Home on Main Street, Franklin, NJ, and there will be a "Celebration of Life", which is scheduled for Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at the Franklin American Legion.
Donations, in lieu of Flowers, to the Franklin American Legion Post 132 would be appreciated.