Karen Amen

Karen was born on November 9, 1943, in Hays, Kansas, to Bill and Bonnie Bollig. She spent her early childhood in Plainville, Kansas, before her family relocated to Sterling, Colorado in 1952. She attended St. Anthony's Catholic School, where she graduated and formed many lifelong friendships.

On August 31, 1963, Karen married Jack. Together they began their life in Chadron, Nebraska, while Jack attended college. It was there they welcomed their first child, Rick. Following Jack's graduation, the family moved to Greeley, Colorado, where their daughter, Kelly, was born. In July 1967, they settled in Casper, Wyoming. Their family grew with the arrival of Randy and several years later was completed with the birth of their youngest daughter, Kacey.

Karen devoted her life to her family, her faith, and her community. She was a homemaker and active member of Our Lady of Fatima's Council of Catholic Women where she generously shared her time and talents. She had a special gift for working with flowers and creating beautiful arrangements.

Karen had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and important. She expressed her love through caring for others, most often with food. Her love language was food and no one ever left her home hungry.

She was also known for her trusty fanny pack, which seemed to hold exactly what anyone might need—a needle and thread, Band-Aids, Carmex, a manicure kit, or countless other little necessities. Whatever the situation, Karen was always prepared.

Her love for children led her to a career as a teacher's assistant. For 20 years Karen touched young lives at Paradise Valley, McKinley, Cottonwood, and Sagewood Elementary Schools. She was known for her patience, kindness, and gentle encouragement, making a lasting difference for the students she helped.

Family was always at the heart of Karen's life. She enjoyed weekends at the lake, countless hours spent driving children to practices and games, and cheering from the sidelines. Becoming a grandmother brought her great joy. Whether it was soccer, baseball, basketball, dance, or any other activity, Grandma was there. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren do what they loved.

Karen also treasured the friendships she cultivated through her church circle, bridge groups, and the Red Hat Society. She lived with warmth, generosity, and a smile that made everyone feel welcome. Her quiet strength, unwavering faith, and unconditional love created a legacy that will continue to live on through her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Karen is survived by her four children, Rick (Kim); Kelly (Stacey) Umbach; Randy (Coty); and Kacey (Levi) Porter. She was a proud grandmother to Corey Amen; Heather (Jacob) Salter; Hayden Umbach; and Kinley; Kamden; Kylen; and Kallan Porter. She was also a great-grandmother to Mason Amen; and Paisley and Brynlee Salter. She is also survived by her sisters, Debbie (Jim) Shanahan; Ingrid Logeren; and Jeannine (Jim) Quicke; her sister-in-law, Dona Holmes; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Bill and Bonnie Bollig; her brother, Gary Bollig; her sister, Rosalie DeMello; and her grandson, Shawn Amen.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 1401 CY Avenue, Casper, WY 82604.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony's Tri-Parish Catholic School, 1145 W 20th Street, Casper, WY 82604.

Karen's life was defined not by extraordinary moments, but by the extraordinary love she gave so freely every day. She leaves behind a family who adored her, friends who treasured her, and a legacy of faith, kindness, and unconditional love that will continue for generations.

To share a memory of Karen or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.