Karen Elizabeth Krebs
April 14th, 2017
KAREN ELIZABETH KREBS
April 26, 1947 - April 14, 2017
Born in Didsbury, Alberta Karen spent her childhood on the Brander family farm in the Lone Pine area. The third oldest of ten children, Karen was raised to work hard on the farm and help when she was needed with the younger siblings. She was influenced greatly by her mother Elsie and chose to pursue the teaching profession at the University of Calgary, beginning her career in Midway and Didsbury. On August 24, 1969 Karen married Dale Krebs of Cremona and they eventually moved to the Westcott area. It is here she had two sons, Greg and Ryan. In 1979 they decided to move to Valleyview to start a new farm. Along with farming, Karen worked as a substitute teacher for many years in the Northern Gateway School Division in Valleyview. The opportunity came for Karen to teach close to the family farm in Whitemud at the Twilight Hutterite Colony. She loved the challenge of the one room school and teaching children who knew very little English when starting in grade one. Karen taught at this school for over ten years and had many great stories and took great pride in teaching these students. This was recognized in 2001 when she was a finalist for the Alberta Excellence in Teaching Awards. Karen was very involved with her boys activities while growing up and volunteered in hockey, fastball, and the local Whitemud Community association along with working alongside Dale in their farming and logging business'. After both of her boys moved away from the farm, Karen and Dale decided to move back to their roots to Didsbury and eventually settled in Carstairs. She enjoyed re-connecting with family and old friends, making her personalized jewelry, and following her grandchildren around to all of their events. Karen had a huge heart and was always helping others be the best that they could be, no matter the circumstances.
Karen bravely fought her battle with cancer with grace and dignity and passed away with her family at her side. Karen is survived by her husband Dale Krebs; oldest son Greg, wife Cindy and grandchildren Maddison, Dakota, Peyton, and Dru; youngest son Ryan, wife Jennifer, and grandchildren Caden and Cole; sister Lisa Brander, brother Jack Brander (Debbie), brother Robert Brander, sister Janet Gole (Brett), sister Christine Brander (Gaetz), sister Judy Brander, and sister Joanne Brander (Lori) along with many nieces and nephews. Karen is pre-deceased by her parents Sandy and Elsie Brander, brother Doug Brander, and sister Sandra Jensen.
A heartfelt thank-you to all the Didsbury hospital staff for their tireless work keeping Karen comfortable and to all the friends and family who came to visit.
As per Karen's request, a private graveside ceremony will be held with family in her honour. Karen's family will be hosting an event at a later date to celebrate her amazing life.
If friends so desire, a memorial tribute can be made to a charity of your choice.
Messages:
Dale, Greg, Ryan and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Karen was a big part of Mom and Dad's life while you lived in the Whitemud Community. We have so many cherished memories and are thankful for having her in our lives. She was such a wonderful person and will be truly missed.
From all of us Janke boys, our heartfelt condolence. She certainly led a beautiful life.
Saddened to hear of your loss Dale. Our sincere sympathy to you & your family. May your precious memories carry you thru this difficult time.
The Cowan Family is so sad to hear of your great loss. There are so many memories that we all share of Karen including the her teaching, the ball games, her friendship and her beautiful smile and contagious laughter. She will be missed by so many. Dale and family you are in our thoughts and our prayers!
Our deepest sympathies to the Brander and Krebs families.
We are sorry to hear of Karen's passing and send sincere condolences to all of her family who will miss her greatly.
Dear Dale ,Greg and Ryan and your families. We are so sorry to hear about Karen's passing. We have many fond memories of the good times we shared with you in Valleyview. We will always remember her pleasant smile and warm welcoming laugh. She was the kindest lady, who left us far too soon. May our condolences bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Thinking of you Brander family, and of all the special memories I have. Karen was a lovely, smart,caring person, truly one that will be missed. Love and prayers to all
So sorry for your loss Joanne. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Thinking of you all. Know how close all you girls are and that Karen will be missed very much. Take care.
My condolences to the entire family. Karen, you had an amazing laugh and it will be greatly missed.
Sincere Sympathies in the loss of your Loved one, may she be resting in peace and may many memories warm your hearts
Joanne and family, I would like to express my condolences and to say that the blessing of having a large family comes in handy at times like these as you have each other for comfort. Sending our love, Brenda, Robette and Chloe.
To Dale, Greg, Ryan and families, and to all Karens' siblings and their families....so very sorry to hear of Karen's passing, and thinking of you all at this difficult time. She was a treasured friend during those important and formative high school years, and I'm grateful to have many fond memories of our times together.
Our sincere condolences to the Krebbs family. We are so sorry for the loss of a wife, mother and grandmother.
My condolences goes out to the family I had the pleasure of working with Karen a few years back What an awesome lady
Our sincere sympathy to Dale, Gregg, Ryan and families. We cherish our happy memories when you lived in the white mud area. Karen was a great lady, and was devoted to her family.
So sorry for your loss Dale. Take care.
Sorry for your loss. My family and myself send our condolences to your family.
Thinking of you all at this time - we remember many fond memories of the good old Jets versa Westcott Golden Boys !! Rest in peace Karen
With sincere and deepest sympathy to all the Brander family in the loss of your wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt she will be greatly missed!
Dale, Greg, Ryan and families. Karen was a wonderful person and we have many great memories. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this sad time. Cherish your good memories, they last forever.
My heart hurts for this great loss. My wife Coni who passed June1 2013 were great friends. We shared many great times with Karen and Dale in Mesa Arizona. Wish you well Dale. She will be greatly missed.
Greg and Ryan and families --- sorry for your loss. Take care. Love your aunt pat.
Pat and family. So very sorry for your deep and profound loss. Karen was a special person and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The Doreen & Don Cote family sends our condolences to your family. (Don passed away in 2014 and it still feels like yesterday)