Obituary: Karen Kerley of Minden, Nev., Oct. 23, 1948-May 28, 2016
Karen Kerley, 67, passed away on May 28, 2016 in Minden, Nevada with family and friends surrounded. Karen was born Oct. 23, 1948 in Huntington Beach, California to Roger Kerley and Lindalee (Plumleigh) Kerley. She graduated at Marine High School Class of 1966 and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy at UCLA College.
Karen moved to Lake Tahoe, California and continued her career as a Physical Therapist in South Lake Tahoe until 1999. Karen also had a special love for children and fostered over 250 kids. Upon her retirement, Karen dedicated her life to Douglas County Search and Rescue and the Red Cross from 2003-2016. Karen served as Vice President of Training and earned Member of the Year 2004 with DCSAR.
She loved helping others and it made her heart full. She very much enjoyed utilizing her skill sets and training in Advanced Man Tracking, Technical Ropes, Swift Water, Search Management, K-9 Training and White Water Rafting. Karen was an avid swimmer all of her life and won many marathons and medals. She was a proud member of the Douglas County Masters Swim Team, The Manatees. Karen was a quiet light that shined on anyone who encountered her.
She had a hopeful spirit and a drive in her soul. She was the most giving and humble. She loved to share stories of her carefree childhood on the beaches of Southern California. Karen loved her family and friends with all of her being and was so proud of all of her kids and grandkids. Karen will be dearly missed and was loved by all. We know she is shining down on all of us with her grace.
Karen is survived by her sons, Drew Seitz, Jeff Seitz, Paul Seitz; Grandchildren, Cheyenne, Andrew, Alex, Luke, Cassidy; Siblings, Kean, Kraig, Katy; her dog, Jazz, and her dearest friends.
A memorial to celebrate Karen's life will be held at Minden Park Gazebo, 1604 Esmeralda Avenue, Minden, Nevada on Saturday, July 30, 2016 from 10:30am-12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, Donations in Karen's memory may be made to American Red Cross of Northern Nevada, 4750 Longley Lane, Suite 101, Reno, NV 89502-5981. Or 775-856-1000.
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