Obituary for Karen Jean Munson: November 1, 1943 to November 12, 2024

Karen Jean Munson passed peacefully away at her home in Yerington, Nevada on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.  She was 81.

Karen was born in Hanford, California on November 1st, 1943. Her parents Marilee (Chic) Bodenstein and Al Bowman moved the family to Wabuska, Nevada in 1948 and resided on the ranch on Bowman Lane.  Karen attended schools in Yerington, and in high school participated in beauty pageants, horseback riding events and local parades. Following graduation, she moved to Reno to attend Ponce Beauty College where she was certified as a beautician.    Karen married her high school sweetheart, Ward Munson, eventually settled in Reno and raised their two daughters, Pam and Kim.

Karen had several careers: she worked with Ward at his construction company, Action Construction; she was a talented hairdresser and owned her salon, Look of Distinction; and later she was an award-winning salesperson at LensCrafters.  Her sparkling personality, humor and talent in retail transformed many customers into lifelong friends.

Karen was generous with her time and was active in community causes.  She served as a Girl Scout leader, on the board of the Associated Builders and Contractors, taught pre-parole classes at the State Prison and counseled at the shelter for abused women.

Karen was a beautiful spirit with the ability to find humor in adversity, believed in being kind and forgiving and serving family, friends and strangers with compassion.   She was loved and adored for being herself.  She enjoyed hosting annual Christmas parties, organizing tomato canning days, recalling summer fishing with Grandma Vivian and looking like Dolly Parton. She owned a pair of high heels for every day of the year and never left the house unless she looked like a runway model adorned with rhinestones and fake eyelashes. She was, as her license plate proclaimed, “Fancy”.

Karen eventually returned to Yerington where she resided with her partner Richard (Dick) Kranjack for the past 20 years. A favorite pastime there was visiting, laughing and reminiscing with dear friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Al Bowman and Chic Bodenstein; step-father Alex Bodenstein; grandmother Vivian Slobig and brother Wayne Bowman.

She is survived by her partner Richard (Dick) Kranjack; daughters Pam (Ric) Peters, Kim (Charles) Van Geel; grandchildren Connor Brown, Cassidy (Patzy) Brown, Caleb Peters, Gabe and Charlie Van Geel; great grandchildren Madelyn Levy and Luci Brown; as well as siblings Gordon Bowman, Donna Thomas and Patte McIntire, numerous beloved nieces and nephews and a multitude of cherished friends.

 A Celebration of Karen’s life is planned for Saturday, December 28th, at 10:00 am at the Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home (25 Hwy 208) in Yerington where all are invited to dress in sequins, rhinestones and glitter to honor her spirit. Please bring happy memories to share.  A reception will follow at Giuseppe’s in Dini’s Lucky Club.

Family and friends are invited to sign her online guest book at www.FRFH.net.  Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Queen of the Valley Rebekkah’s Lodge to provide scholarships to local YHS graduates.