Karen Lynne Vanberg

My amazing aunt, Karen Lynne Vanberg, was born Jan. 10, 1979, in Billings. I was fortunate enough to have met her 4,660 days ago! I remember her always having so many friends! Even when I was little, she had people over all the time! She loved so many people! She would do anything anyone needed!

Karen lived in Yellowstone County for her entire 44 years. She passed away on Aug. 1, 2023, at her home. She graduated with many accomplishments. I don’t know all of that stuff so I had to ask Grampa and Gramma. They told me that she lettered all four years in both band and chorus, lettered in academics, and in sports. She was a member of honor society and was a peer counselor. She graduated Salutatorian from Shepherd High School in 1997.

Some of Aunt Karen’s favorite things to do were hanging with her friends, camping and boating, crafts, and watching ME play sports as well as taking care of her beloved doggo. She loved her family:  her parents, Randy and Laura Vanberg (who I called OOPA and OOMA when I first learned to talk); her sister Abbey Emmons (who she lovingly called “Seester”) her brother-in-law Rob Emmons (who she referred to as “Bwudda”); and their adorable redheaded child, Tanner Emmons (or “Most Handsome” to Karen). That’s me. Besides her family and friends, animals came in a close second! Some might even say animals before people! Her spirit animal was the Tiger because she was fierce and strong and knew when to fight for what was right! Besides the tiger, her baby was her dog, Dillinger. Speaking of nicknames he also had a few: Dilly, Dill Pickle, and another one not appropriate for this writing. That dog loved her as much as she loved him. I now have the honor of being his human. (I promise to take good care of him, Aunt Karen!)

A memorial service for my Aunt Karen will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shepherd. A luncheon and fellowship time will follow. As many of you know, Aunt Karen’s very favoritest color was purple. So … if you choose to join in this celebration, wearing purple would be totally OK!

Memorials in Karen’s name can be given to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. LYttMaB, Aunt Karen (Love You to the Moon and Back)