Karen Lee Clapper
November 25, 1947 - May 21, 2006
Obituary
Karen Lee Clapper
The family of Karen Clapper regretfully announces the passing of their mother, wife, sister, aunt and grandmother, on the 21st of May while under hospice care at the University Place, WA facility.
Karen was born in Rocky Comfort, Missouri on the 25th of Nov 1947. She was one of 7 children born to Mildred and Claude Kenney. Karen was raised in Missouri and moved to Utah first then to Seattle to raise her family. Karen attended Southwest Missouri University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1971. Karen met and married Steve Wieneke in 1974, and they moved to Utah to support Steve as he finished his master’s degree in Civil Engineering. Steve and Karen raised their two daughters to live a life of appreciation that included many outdoor activities that ranged from camping to sports. Steve actively coached Tracy and Elissa in a number of sports activities that would later enrich their adult lives.
Karen’s two children, Tracy and Elissa were born in Missouri and moved to Utah in 1976 and then to Seattle in 1979. Karen met and married Duane Clapper in 1993 and they resided in Federal Way, Washington for the remainder of her life. Karen was employed by Wilbur-Ellis Company, working in the western corporate offices in Tukwila, WA. Karen worked at Wilbur-Ellis for 24 years as an Accounting Supervisor. Karen loved to garden, hike and camp in the outdoors, and enjoyed participating and watching sports of all kinds. She translated her love of games and life to her children and grandchildren. Karen enjoyed contributing in her grandchildren’s lives, she often took Drew and Cole to participate in their school activities as well as travels to events that included, the zoo, parks and beaches, in addition their sports events. Karen especially enjoyed spending holiday time with her family, and teaching her grandchildren to cook. We will miss Karen’s contributions to those that surrounded her.
Karen is survived by her husband, Duane Clapper, daughters, Tracy Murphy, Elissa Wieneke, grandsons, Drew and Cole Murphy: mother Mildred Kenney; sisters, Janice Shewmake Daniel and Debra Kenney; brothers; Charles Kenney Deanna, Ronald Kenney Linda, Stanley Kenney Sally and Jerry Kenney Donna along with numerous nieces and nephews. The memorial service will be held on Friday, May 26,2006 at 10:00 am at Bonney-Watson Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA. 253 839 7317. The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Franciscan Hospice House.
Elissa, Tracy and Family – I am so sorry for your loss. Elissa, I haven’t seen you in a long time, but wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and hope you are doing well during this difficult time.
Tracy & Family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Corky
We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to all of those who attended my mother’s memorial this morning. Sharing memories, and enjoying each other’s company brought us a bit of comfort today. A very special thank you to Laurie, Becky, Marilyn and all those who provided food and made the reception so special for our family and friends.
“there are various positive side effects of enhancing one’s feelings of compassion. one of them is that the greater the force of your compassion, the greater your resilience in confronting hardships and your ability to transform them into more positive conditions” Dalai Lama
We will miss “Elissa’s mom” and Darrion’s “NANA” very much. I remember Karen would make Darrion laugh so hard that his face would turn red and no sound would come out of his mouth. It was so funny! Darrion just loved being around her and Duane PAPA. My thoughts and prayers are with Elissa, Duane, Tracy, Drew and Cole.
When someone we know dies they take a little piece of us with them.But the things we have learned from them shall last forever.
Karen will be sadly missed by our family.
Glenn and Trina Folley
I will miss Karen with all of my heart. She was a wonderful person to be around. I always enjoyed our visits and hearing about her grandchildren. She was such positive person to be around, and had a laugh I will always remember. I will carry her memory in my heart forever.
Karen’s warm smile and infectious laughter will be greatly missed. She embraced our family with loving friendship and we will be forever richer because of that. Duane, Tracy, Cole, Drew and Elissa…we share your heavy heart and send all our love. God Bless you all.
We wanted you to know that we are thinking about you.
We all loved Karen’s infectious laugh and energy. She will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful wife to Duane and we all knew they loved each other very much. God bless you Karen.