Karen was born to Juanita (Jo) Belleville Genseal and James Franklin Genseal (Frank) on November 16, 1940, in Astoria, Illinois. She was the third child born to Jo and Frank. A brother, John, was the first-born and then the middle child, Phyllis. Karen always stated that she had a normal family life growing up. Her father, Frank, was a seed salesman and she always recalled the joy of the simple and naïve life in the small Midwestern town.

In 1948 she moved with the family to Livingston, CA, where she lived before moving to Turlock. Her father and mother worked at Swanson Farms for nearly 40 years. Karen and the Swanson children grew up as siblings together, sometimes not knowing who were really their parents. She attended Washington School, and graduated from Turlock High School in 1958. She worked for State Savings and Dean Floral.

In 1970, Karen married Paul Springer in Beulah (Turlock) Covenant Church. This union was a blessed partnership of intimacy, hard work and sharing. Little did she know that in 1974 she would leave sleepy Turlock and be placed in the midst of the noise and populace of Chicago while Paul attended North Park Theological Seminary. She really didn't feel that she was called to ministry like her husband, but she would be a loyal partner to Paul and her Lord.

Karen worked hard for the Lord as she moved with Paul from Chicago, to Michigan, South San Francisco, CA, Cleveland, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, FL, and back to her beloved Turlock. Karen Loved children's ministry and was like the Pied Piper with children following her everywhere. She was what her husband referred to as the "Queen of Covenant Women Ministries." She served on several Conference boards promoting the needs and issues of contemporary women.

Karen is survived by her husband, Paul; her sister Phyllis (Dale) Larson; her sister-in-law Lillian (Don) Ritchie; a niece, Sharon Larson, Little Rock; nephews, Michael (Ronda Jennifer), and Major Patrick (Peggy, Kimberly, Christopher), and family in Illinois, Texas, and Virginia. Karen is also survived by her dearest friend, Ellie Carlson. It was with Ellie that they shared the most remarkable conversations about life. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John, and her niece, Inger.

The committal service will be private. A "Celebration of Life," will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, August 13, 2011, at Turlock Covenant Church, Laurel and High Street, Turlock, CA.

Memorials may be made to Turlock Covenant Church, Karen Springer Memorial Fund, 316 Laurel Ave., Turlock, CA 95380. Memorials may also be made to Hospice of Emanuel, Emanuel Medical Center, 825 Delbon, Turlock, CA 95381. Peace be to her memory.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.turlockmemorialpark.com

Turlock Journal
Saturday, August 13, 2011