Karen Unglesbee
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Karen Unglesbee

  • January 10, 2012
  • Overland Park, Kansas
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Memories & Candles

“Dale and Jenny, Karen was such a sweet and gentle soul who had a smile that could light up a room. I'm so blessed to have re-connected with her...Read More » ”
1 of 6 | Posted by: Cara Heppler - Marion, IA

“Dale and Jenny, Courageous, strong, "a fighter," and "lover of life" are just some of the many words that come to mind when I think of Karen. ...Read More » ”
2 of 6 | Posted by: Stacey (Stiles) Glowacki - Holly, MI

“Dale and Family, Karen and I went to school together in Geneseo. Like her, I was a farm girl and have fond memories of her mom, dad and siblings. We...Read More » ”
3 of 6 | Posted by: Nancy Reinke - Estes Park, CO

“Dale and Jenny, We've lost a wonderful human being. She was one of the most courageous woman I have ever met. My thoughts are with you always. ...Read More » ”
4 of 6 | Posted by: Mat, Heather, and Parker Stannke - IL

“Jenny, Barry and Dale, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. John, Tracey, Alden & Christian ”
5 of 6 | Posted by: John Tikwart Breford - Leawood, KS

“My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Erika Johnson ”
6 of 6 | Posted by: Erika Johnson


Karen M. Unglesbee, 61, died January 10, 2012, at home in the arms of her husband, daughter and daughter- and son-in-law, after a three-year battle with stage 4 breast cancer.

She was born in Geneseo, Ill., on March 18, 1950, to Marlo and Maxine Carlson, who both preceded her in death.

Karen grew up on a livestock farm, helping tend to chickens and cooking meals for farmhands, feeding up to 15 workers at a time. She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1968 before taking a highly confidential job with the U.S. Army at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Ill.

In Overland Park, Kan., Karen worked as an administrative assistant at the Marley Cooling Tower Company, where she met Dale Unglesbee. The two married on June 27, 1992.

A practiced gourmet cook, Karen took joy and pride in her tacos, guacamole, French onion soup, chocolate sauce and, in the estimation of husband Dale, "the best gravy in the state." She loved cooking for friends and family and at one time taught French cooking classes at Wichita State University.

Karen remained a classy, brave, sassy and resolutely independent woman up to the very end of her life. Her death marked the end of a courageous fight against cancer that began when she was first diagnosed in 1985.

Karen leaves behind her husband Dale Unglesbee; daughter Jennifer (Lundell) Rucker; step children Gloria Unglesbee Soliz, Katy Unglesbee Joseph and Ben Unglesbee; sister Julanne Carlson Lobaito; brother David Carlson; five wonderful grandchildren—Brynn, Aliyah, Elijah, Levi and Tovah—and several nieces and nephews whom she adored and who adored her.

A visitation will be held at D.W. Newcomer's Sons at 8201 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS from 6:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday January 13th. A memorial service to celebrate Karen's life will be held Saturday January 11 at 11:00.am. at D.W. Newcomer's Sons at 11200 Metcalf Avenue. Memorial contributions may be made to KC Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Rd, KC, MO 64145.