Karen Oakeson

Our sweet sister Karen Oakeson (76) was freed from this earthly existence Thursday, October 29, 2026, after suffering a stroke. She was born on July 15, 1950, to Ivan Ray and Alta Marshall Oakeson in Salt Lake City, Utah. She’s the oldest of their seven children.

Karen graduated from Bingham High School where she excelled as an artist, receiving an award for her pencil drawing of a purse. After high school Karen received a secretarial degree from Utah Technical College at Salt Lake. She was amazingly proficient in shorthand, typing, and had the most gorgeous handwriting on earth. Karen served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Central America. She shared the Spanish language with her family and everyone she met. Karen worked as a secretary in the Utah Attorney General’s office, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and for several other private attorneys.

Karen liked to play the piano, grow flowers, create art, and let you know who you were related to. She had a gift for remembering names and making familial connections. Karen had a giving heart and blessed those around her with generous and sometimes unusual gifts. She exemplified the Savior the things that she did. An example of this was taking family and neighbors to visit the elderly in various nursing homes throughout the Salt Lake valley.

Karen loved her nieces and nephews, and they have fond memories of their adventures together. Karen looked forward to family gatherings and BBQs so she could be with those who loved her and those she loved.

Karen was diagnosed early in life with schizoaffective disorder. Her condition hampered her ability to thrive and enjoy life the way most people do. Those who knew Karen were able to see past the illness and embrace her differences. We want to thank those who visited Karen often and showered her with their love and friendship.

Karen is preceded in death by her mom and dad, and sisters, Mary and Sheila. She is survived by siblings, Laurie (Blair) Hutchings, Cynthia Harmon, Ivan Oakeson, and David (Sandra) Oakeson.

We want to thank the first responders, the doctors and staff at IMC, the team at Draper Rehabilitation and Care, and Symbii Hospice for their patient and professional care. In memory of Karen’s obsession with flowers please consider sharing a beautiful bouquet of flowers with someone you love.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:30 am. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, South Jordan 3rd Ward building, 9750 South 2200 West, South Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral services at 10:30 am.