Karen Griese
August 13, 1942 ~ May 16, 2020
Karen Mae Griese, 77, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD following an 8-year battle with cancer.
Karen was born on August 13, 1942 in Lodi, CA to Oscar and Esther (Buechler) Joachim. They returned to South Dakota where she was raised on their family farm near Agar with her two brothers and sister. After graduating as co-salutatorian from Agar High School in 1960, she attended South Dakota State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1964.
She married Donald Griese of Gettysburg SD on March 21, 1964 and from this union they were blessed with their four children: Kevin, Kari, Dale, and Darren. They lived in Rapid City, Pollock and McLaughlin before settling in Highmore, South Dakota where they raised their children. During her time in SD she had the opportunity to work in various fields throughout her nursing career from Hospitals, Community Health and Nursing Home Director, in addition to serving as a nurse with the SD Air National Guard. Karen and Don then moved to Prescott Valley, AZ in 1988 where she completed her 20 year military career and continued her nursing career working in the County Correctional Facility which became her favorite job and ended her 41 year career as a Home Health nurse. She moved to be with Kari and Kevin in Frederick, MD in December 2012 in order to start care at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Throughout her treatment she would return when possible to her home in Prescott Valley, AZ, and to stay with Dale and Lisa in Tempe, AZ and visit family. Few people knew the extent to which she struggled; however, her determination and fight kept her pushing through the pain.
Karen is survived by her children, Kevin (Michell) Griese, of Pierre, SD; Kari (Kevin) Oakes of Frederick, MD; Dale (Lisa) Griese of Tempe, AZ; and Darren (Andrea) Griese of Pierre, SD; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; siblings: Edith Falkenhagen of Agar, SD, Roger Joachim of Agar, SD, and Kent (Kay) Joachim of Gettysburg, SD; in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins for which she was grateful they were a part of her life.
Karen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, Don; parents, Oscar and Esther (Buechler) Joachim; and brother-in-law, Kenny Falkenhagen.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, Wounded Warriors, and Breast Cancer Foundation (Susan G. Komen).
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Karen’s arrangements.
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Dear Griese Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. We hope that your beautiful memories of your Mom will comfort you in this time of grief. May she rest in peace and may God bless you all.
Warmest regards,
Mark and Nancy Bergeson
I’m sorry to learn of Karen’s passing, more sorry to see how long she battled cancer. We were in high school together, she was a year ahead of me. She was always so pleasant, always involved. One only needs to read her life story to know she was a high achiever. So glad she had the kids to help her through everything. Rest In Peace Dear One, and May God bless her family and loved ones.
My Luther League kids,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a great person and always had a big smile and a hello. She raised 4 wonderful kids and was proud of each of you and your accomplishments. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Big hugs to each of you.
Always your friends. Edith and Loren Wheelhouse
So sorry for your loss. I had the privilege to work with Karen at the nursing home. She was a caring person and ran a tight ship. Things got done and done right. Everybody pulled their weight. I enjoyed working with her. I wish I had known she was sick I could have sent her cards.
Thinking of you all.
I'm sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I always admired her strength and determination. May God's love give you peace and strength during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Karens passing. I had the privilege of serving with her in the SDANG clinic for many years. She was such a sweetheart & so very compassionate. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. God Bless Deborah Kayser, MSgt Ret
She is my best friend, we had so many good times working in the jail together. I could always count on her to understand the silly things I did. I will miss our talks on the phone but I will see her someday… No more pain ….
Love you Karen
She is my best friend, we had so many good times working in the jail together. I could always count on her to understand the silly things I did. I will miss our talks on the phone but I will see her someday… No more pain ….
Love you Karen
Keri, Kevin, Dale & Darren – We are sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time.
On behalf of the Society of Air Force Nurses, please know we are mourning with you the death of our sister nurse, Karen. It takes a patriot, willing to give of themselves to other human beings in their time of need, to step forth and join the ranks of our U. S. Air Force Nurse Corps. Your beloved one will be mourned and missed by many who served alongside her. We will include her name in our Memorial Program of the Society of Air Force Nurses in commemoration of her life and service to our nation.
With Sincerest Regards and Gratitude,
Wendy S. Collins, Lt Col, USAF, Nurse Corps (Retired)