Karen Kay Kriske

Karen Kay Kriske

July 25, 1941- March 24, 2026

Karen Kay Kriske, born July 25, 1941 in Cedar Rapids Iowa, passed away on March 24, 2026 in Sacramento California. She is preceded in death by her brother, Steven Hallegren, sons James Kennith Daly and James Kriske, and grandson Dayton Carter. Her parents were Adolph "Joe" Hallgren and Mildred (Hotchkins) Hallgren, both deceased. Karen is survived by her husband of 58 years, Deacon George Kriske of Saint Mary's Parish in Sacramento, sons Michael Scott Daly, Kristopher Joe Kriske, and William Kriske, daughter in laws Jennifer Kriske, Kathleen Daly and Kat Daly, grandsons Kristopher "Joey" Kriske (Amanda), Zachery Kriske (Shauna) and Noah Daly (Sierra), granddaughters Brittany Saunders (Kyle), Hannah Needham (Nicholas) and Alisa Baird, great grandsons Gavin Kriske, Cayde Kriske, Deacon Kriske, Dominic Saunders, Mavrick Saunders, Chason Needham, Lincoln Daly, great granddaughters Ainsley Baird, Scarlett Baird, Harlow Baird, Noelle Daly, and another baby Daly to arrive later this year. She also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Karen moved from Iowa to Northern California with her family when she was 9 years old. They eventually settled in Sacramento and she lived all of her remaining years in the Tahoe Park area of the city. For the first three years of high school, she attended Sacramento High School. For her senior year she transferred to Hiram Johnson High School where she was a member of their first graduating class in 1959. For most of her adult life Karen was a housewife and stay-at-home mother. In 1967 she married her soulmate and life partner, George Kriske, and together they had a blended family of five boys. Karen loved being a housewife and mother. She was that mom who was the Den Mother in Cub Scouts, the Team Mom for every sports team her sons played on, the mom that would help chaperone class field trips and help with class parties on those special occasions, and threw grand birthday parties for her sons. Karen was the centerpiece and matriarch of a crazy, eclectic, harmoniously blended family and she made every member of her family feel unconditionally loved and accepted. Karen was a devout Catholic and her faith in the Lord never wavered. Her involvement in the church went beyond simply attending Sunday masses. She had a beautiful angelic voice and would oftentimes lead the congregation singing the gospel songs and hymns during mass. She taught Catechism, funded and sponsored Christian organizations that feed hungry children all over the world, and volunteered her time and services at Loaves and Fishes. She was a living example of what it means to love the Lord and to love your family too. Karen was loved by many and will be sorely missed. Her funeral and celebration of life are as follows: Viewing and vigil, Monday April 6th, 5pm – 8pm at Saint Mary's Parish, 1333 58th Street, Sacramento ca. The vigil will start at approximately 6:30pm. The funeral will be the following day, Tuesday, April 7th, beginning at 10:30am at Saint Mary's Parish.