Karen Freund

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Karen Linda (Woods) Freund, of Greenfield, MO, departed this life on Monday, May 16, 2022, in her home at the age of 73.

Karen Linda Woods was born on November 22, 1948, in Lamar, Missouri to Lorn and Marjorie Woods. Her brother Ronnie was 11 months younger. She grew up in the church and was the church pianist during her teenage years. Music brought her a lot of joy. 

While in high school, she began dating Jerry. Karen graduated Lockwood High School at the top of her class in 1966. She was engaged to Jerry before he left in the Army for Vietnam and married one week after he returned. Karen took Freund as her last name on January 27, 1968, at Arcola Christian Church.

In 1969 they made Springfield, Missouri home for 31 years. Parkview Christian Church became their extended family. She was a member of that church for 52 years. They welcomed Michelle home in 1972 and Kevin in 1974. She was a wonderful daughter, wife and mother. Family became her biggest joy.

Karen stayed extremely active in church, the kids school activities, NALC Missouri State Auxiliary, PTA, numerous committees and loved helping others. Acts of love and service showed in all she did. Karen was the office manager at an insurance company when her kids were young. She was a school secretary in Springfield and Greenfield for a total of 26 years. Karen took a lot of pride in her work and the students at her schools.

Karen became a grandma in 1996. Destin named her Grandma Chewy, after her chocolate lab dog. She was an amazing grandma to 7 children and all of Michelle’s many foster kids. Karen called each of them, “her favorite grandchild”. Of course, this was told in secret to each child individually.

You could find Karen on any given day with a book in her hand. She was an avid reader and read 4 to 5 books per month. She always looked forward to Friday night eating out and playing Pitch with their friends. Karen treasured her family. Being a wife, mother and grandmother were her favorite titles. She liked to travel, visit her grandchildren and watch the deer from the back deck. She was constant with her love and attention to her family and reminded them often that Jesus and family mattered the most.

Daughter of The King 73 years
Wife 54 years
Mom 50 years
Grandma 25 years

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Arcola Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Arcola Hickory Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.