1975 – 2024
On Friday, September 6 Karen Wold (née Bauer), beloved wife of 24 years and mother of a sterling young man, went to bed with love in her heart and a prayer on her lips…then died in the night of unknown causes.
Karen was a woman of profound faith and deep prayerfulness. She was passionate for what is true, right, fair, and good in the world. She cared deeply for her family, and was tender of heart for the vulnerable, including the animals in her care. She had a playful spirit and loved to take on projects, especially things that brought order or growth to the world. Although averse to large gatherings, she loved people and had a deep well of compassion and curiosity to see God’s spirit at work in others.
Karen grew up on a farm outside of Claresholm, Alberta, surrounded by wide horizons, animals and growing things, and always felt the farm to be her heart’s true home. Married to Kristian in 2000, she moved with him to Saskatoon, Vancouver, Camrose, and Cochrane in support of his vocation as a pastor. In Camrose she organized a local organic food co-op so she could contribute to the health of her family and community.
In Camrose her son Arik was born, and she embraced her vocation as a mother with energy, determination, and joy. When the family moved to Cochrane in 2013 she discovered a new vocation as a spiritual director, training at the FCJ Centre in Calgary and practicing at Mount Saint Francis retreat centre in Cochrane. In 2024 she moved with Kristian and Arik to Lethbridge; she looked forward to witnessing her son take on a new adventure as a university student, and seeing more of her family on the farm.
She is mourned by her husband Kristian, son Arik, mother Betty, sister Tracy, nieces Carly and Hayley, parents-in-law Ralph and Rita, sister-in-law Anna, nephew Isaac, and numerous, numerous extended family and friends. She is predeceased by her father, Don Bauer.
A Graveside Service was held at St. Peter’s Cemetery East of Claresholm on September 19, 2024.
A Memorial Service was held at Hope Lutheran Church in Calgary, on September 21, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.