COLUMBUS—Karen Alice (Berg) Smith, age 84, died peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Home Again Assisted Living. Karen was born on November 17, 1938 to Clarence "Tut" and Gladys (Selje) Berg in Columbus.

Karen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She worked many years at Columbus Community Hospital, First National Bank, and Columbus Antique Mall.  Karen was an avid reader ever since she was a child. Her family has fond memories of her delicious baked goods and cooking skills. Her granddaughters especially remember her chocolate chip cheesecake. Before her husband Robert passed away, they enjoyed traveling around the country as well as day trips exploring small Wisconsin towns. Karen loved animals and had many well-cared for pets throughout her lifetime.  Her cat Patches, who lived to be 18 years old, was a favorite.

Karen supported many charities which include: The Salvation Army, Special Olympics, the St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, SD, and Garfield Farm Museum in LaFox, IL.

Karen will be deeply missed by her two children Patti Gehred of Columbus, OH and Todd (Tracey) Smith of Alexandria, VA; brother Dennis (Lynda) Berg of Madison, WI; granddaughters Alison (Mark Ingles) Gehred and Kathryn (Lewis Savarese) Gehred; and four great-grandchildren Rhys, Harriet, Owen and Iris. Karen is preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert; brother David; and son-in-law Paul.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 10, 2023 with visitation starting at 9:00 A.M. at JENSEN FUNERAL & CREMATION, Columbus. Inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Columbus. Pastor Jane Crawford will officiate.

Special thanks to Home Again Assisted Living where she lived for the last few months of her life.

Memorials may be directed to: Prairie Ridge Health Foundation at https://www.prairieridge.health/en/foundation/ways-to-give.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Karen's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com