Obituary of Karen Arlene Kotanko

Karen Arlene Kotanko

September 6, 1951 – September 14, 2025

Karen Arlene Kotanko of Veteran, beloved wife of Allan Kotanko, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus on September 14, 2025 at the age of 74 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Karen was born in Lacombe on September 6, 1951 to Richard Quast and Darlene Sargeant. She was born premature, weighing only 3 lbs. She grew up in Lacombe and Calgary. She attended Red Deer Vocational High School where she met her lifelong friend, Debbie Crawford and the future love of her life Allan Kotanko. Karen and Allan married on January 31, 1970. They lived briefly in Red Deer and then moved to Loyalist. In 1972, they moved to Penhold, to Veteran in 1973 and to their current acreage in 1982. After extensive renovation, they moved into their current home in 1984. Together, Karen and Allan raised four children: Donna, Donald, Jason and Daniel.  

Karen loved children. She babysat many. Among them was Alison and William Quaife which led to a lasting friendship between Karen and Maureen. Karen worked at Larry's Family Foods for many years, beginning in 1984, then worked for the Auction Mart and Canada Post until the Fall of 2023.

She lovingly taught Sunday school to the 4 & 5 year olds for over 30 years at Veteran Full Gospel Church. She also volunteered in many capacities. Karen was always giving. She gave of everything she had - her money, her time, her energy, her love. Everything she had, she gave freely. Especially her hugs and prayers. She had a huge heart for her friends and the community around her. 

Karen loved. She loved deeply. When you encountered Karen, you encountered genuine love and heard the gospel of Jesus Christ! 

Karen is survived by her loving husband Allan; children Donna (Darryl), Donald (Leah), Jason (Shandel) and Daniel (Karen nee Pace); grandchildren Genevieve, Katelyn, Kylie (Cody), Macy (Dalton), Daxter, Emerson, Silas, Olivia and Natalie; siblings Richard (Leslie), Jacquie, Darren (Barb), Shawna (Ken) and Lori (Gary; brother-in-law Richard; stepdad Willis; step-brother Darrin (Brenda); and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, in-laws and extended family.

She is predeceased by her father Richard, her mother Darlene and her sister Charlene.

Celebration Of Life

2:00 P.M.

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Veteran Full Gospel Church

Veteran, Alberta

Lunch & Fellowship to Follow at Veteran Community Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial donation to: Benevolent Fund at Veteran Full Gospel Church, the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.