I had the privilege of being Karen Gilhousen’s pastor. She began attending our church while her husband, Klein, was terminally ill. After he passed away, I made a pastoral visit with her. I recall it as a sacred moment as she quietly shared her sorrow and deep affection for her husband. I realized that much of Klein’s public success was due to Karen’s behind-the-scenes love and quiet support.
Afterward, she joined a small group of widows in our church who comforted and supported one another. As a devoted worshiper, she sat front and center in the second row, her presence a quiet testament to making our church her church.
When I think of Karen, I remember her deep love for her husband and our church. She led a fulfilling life because she was a dedicated follower of the One who loved her first. The foundation of her two loves was her deeper love for Jesus Christ. And now, she’s at home, eternally present with her heavenly Father and her earthly husband.