Karen Ann (Aklestad) McNeese

Karen Ann (Aklestad) McNeese, 72, died unexpectedly April 8, 2013 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer with her daughters at her side.

Karen was born in Palmer on April 19, 1940, where she lived throughout her life.

Her family said, “She always enjoyed her plants, whether indoors or out. She loved camping, hunting, fishing and gatherings with family and friends. Karen was always generous with her time and talents, helping whenever asked, never refusing. She was a beautiful person, inside and out, and the most caring, loving wife, mother and grandmother we could have ever asked for. We were so blessed to have her in our lives.”

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Harold T. and Lorraine L. (McKechnie) Hermon, and Paul A. Aklestad; youngest brother, Gordon L. (Corky) Aklestad; nephew, Ronald P. Aklestad Jr.; brothers/sisters-in-law, Joan Jensen, Glenn McNeese, Ron and Dee McNeese, Stan and Gwen Lowe; and step-sister, Sally Swain.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim A. McNeese; three daughters and sons-in-law, Dawn M. and William D. Campbell, Teri A. and Thomas E. Osterkamp Jr. and Karen L. (Kalea) Jones; five grandchildren, Jessica, Wyatt, Rebecca, Raylea and Jacob; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Judy Aklestad Sr.; sister-in-law, Esther McNeese; brother and sister-in-law, George and Marlys McNeese; sister-in-law, Jane (Aklestad) Sparks; brother-in-law, Robert Jensen; step-sisters and spouses, Nancy and Bill Bernert, and Connie and Steve Harsh; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Karen did not wish to have a service, but the family wishes to thank everyone who has shown their love and support during this terrible time of loss. Her ashes will be spread this summer. The family also wishes to thank Valley Funeral Home Inc. for their assistance.