Karen S. Klusman, 66, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023. In the home of her daughter, Laura Zinke, in Lenexa.

Karen was born June 14, 1957, in Kansas City, MO the daughter to Elmer Gene and Jacquelyn Sue (Stewart) Fatzer. She moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when she was 3 years old. They moved back to the Kansas City area around and Karen graduated high school from Shawnee Mission Northwest in 1975.  She was a waitress for most of her working years notably at Heywards BBQ, Denny’s, Moms Kitchen and Santa Fe Cafe. Karen’s first marriage was to Chris Humble. She met Chris in the “Back Door Days”. They married and had a daughter, Laura Gene Humble, in 1985. 

Karen’s 2nd marriage was to Steve J Klusman on September 7, 2004. When she met Steve, he taught her how to hunt, fish, and grill/cook. They loved to put on grilling parties and entertain. They had many years of happiness and wonderful memories together. She loved to be with friends and family all the time.

Karen was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer last September(2022). Her daughter was by her side for all of her appointments.  In her final months, Karen lived with her daughter, son in law and her grandkids. Despite a courageuos fight, Karen never bounced back from the chemotherapy and treatments. She decided to not do anymore treatments and left us within two weeks of her decision. 

Her life was her family. Her first grandchild, Olivia Grace Zinke was born March 18, 2010. Followed by her second, Brantley Colton Zinke February 20, 2014. Her grandkids meant the world to her and she truly held on as long as she did for them. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Steve Klusman in 2011, her mother Jacquelin (Sue) Fatzer her father Elmer (Gene) Fatzer, brother Marc Fatzer and daughter Erica Humble. 

Karen is survived by her daughter, Laura (Duane) Zinke and granddaughter Olivia Grace-(special O), grandson Brantley Colton Zinke, brother Brain Fatzer, sister Cheryl Gene Fatzer, and extended family.

Laura and Duane Zinke will be having a Celebration Of Life for Karen Sue at a later time in the fall.