Rev Karen Ann Capel

Reverend Karen Ann Capel, passed away at home in Rosemount, MN on October 11, 2014. Karen Ann Jensen was born on Dec. 26, 1938 in Fremont, NE to Alvin and Mabel Jensen. Her childhood was full and happy until the death of her mother when she was just 10 years old. Karen, her older brother Dick and her younger sister Janet relied on their community and their faith in God to pull them through. Karen spent many days working at her Dad’s restaurant, ‘Jensen’s Caf’ in Fremont, NE. After graduating High School, Karen attended Dana College in Blair, NE where she made many wonderful friends and earned a degree in Vocal Music Education. Upon graduation, she took her first teaching job in Council Bluffs, IA. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert Capel and they built a life together. Karen learned rather quickly that if she wanted to spend time with her new husband, she needed to learn how to golf. The two of them spent countless hours on the golf-course, something they truly enjoyed as a couple. Shortly after they were married, Bob’s son from his first marriage, ‘Bobby’ was in a tragic car accident, leaving him brain-damaged and quadriplegic. During the months Bobby was in a coma, Karen sat by his side – holding his hand, singing to him and tending to his medical care while Bob went back to work. This time in her life showed her true character at a very young age. Joy came back into their lives again when Karen gave birth to Kimberly in 1969 and Kristen in 1972. Kim and Kris remember their Mom as one who would do anything for them, who put music in their hearts and on their lips, who shared her faith freely and who always encouraged them to live into their God-given gifts. Karen spent several years as a “Professional Volunteer” and worked very part time as the choir director at St. John Lutheran Church where she touched many lives through her faith and music. When Bob retired she went to work in the insurance business. Karen surprised herself with her ability to so competently switch gears into this new world - and she brought her music with her, starting choirs at each of her workplaces and writing jingles for her colleagues’ Birthdays. In 1995, Bob died leaving her widowed at quite a young age. Shortly after his death, Karen moved to Freeport, IL to work for MetLife. In Freeport she was introduced to her BFF Barb Rapp. Together Karen and Barb golfed and traveled the world. Upon retirement from insurance in 2002, Karen finally did what she had dreamed of doing her entire life. She went to Wartburg Theological Seminary and was ordained as a Pastor in the ELCA in 2004. For six years, Karen served as Pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Forreston, IL. She took delight in planning worship, preaching, and most of all caring for the people in the small country church. In 2010, the hugs, smiles and laughter of grandkids called her to Minnesota where she made her home at Bard’s Crossing in Rosemount. In these last four years, she was able to spend precious time with Kim, Kris, Dan, Shey, Annika, Raya, Amelia & Cloe. Of course, in those four years she also touched countless lives – volunteering at Easter Lutheran Church and local schools, starting at least two choirs and occasionally singing or preaching at Kim’s church, St. Luke Presbyterian in Wayzata. Six weeks ago, a Caring Bridge Page was started when Karen was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and the following words were written: “Karen Capel. Healthy, strong, in-shape, golfer, ultimate grandma, dear friend, amazing mom, Pastor, BFF, singer, director, leader......the list goes on..... So it is with heavy hearts and in a state of disbelief that we write this first Caring Bridge Post.” Throughout the past six weeks, Karen faced ups, downs, twists and turns - but through it all, just like the rest of her life - she kept a smile on her face, a heart full of gratitude and unwavering faith. Today Karen’s life is celebrated. It was a life well-lived despite many challenges. And we grieve deeply as we live into a new reality without Karen’s hand to hold, voice to hear and company to enjoy. Her legacy will live on in her kids, her grandkids and all who were touched by her generous heart, quick wit and her love for Jesus Christ. About her life, she said over and over in the past six weeks – “I am blessed. I am so very blessed.” Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents; and step son, Robert L Capel II. She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Capel (Shey Lyon); and Rev. Kristen Capel (Dan Coyle); grandchildren, Annika and Amelia Coyle; and Raya and Cloe Lyon Capel; brother, Rev. Dr. Richard Jensen (Bonnie); sister, Janet Sono (Masakazu); and BFF, Barbara Rapp. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday (10/16) at 11:00 a.m. at Easter on the Hill Lutheran Church, 4200 Pilot Knob Rd. Eagan, MN. A visitation will be held at Easter on the Hill on Wed. (10/15) from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a Prayer Vigil service beginning at 7:30 and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Private Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery in Council Bluffs, IA. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday (10/17) at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 633 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to Easter Lutheran Church, or St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Wayzata, MN.