1943 ~ 2026
Karen Lee Conrad Jaenisch, age 82, returned to her Heavenly Father on January 6, 2026.
Karen was born on February 24, 1943, in Ogden, Utah, to Max E. and Emily Claire Conrad. The oldest of five children, she grew up in Fallon, Nevada, where she enjoyed participating in local 4-H clubs and attended Churchill County Schools.
Karen had three children she was very proud of: Bill, Carmen, and Mindy. In 1996, she married the love of her life, Klaus Jaenisch. They met at a church dance and were married on April 26, 1996, later having their marriage solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple. They lived in West Valley City before moving to the East Millcreek area in 2005.
Karen was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She later served a mission with the Church Employment Division. Following her retirement in 2005, Karen and Klaus enjoyed traveling throughout the western United States, taking a memorable cruise to Alaska, and visiting Germany to meet Klaus’s family. They later welcomed and hosted his family in the United States for several weeks. Karen was a member of the Garden Heights North Ward for 19 years and the Cougar Lane Ward the last few years.
Karen earned an Associate’s Degree from Salt Lake Community College and worked for many years as a Credit Manager. She was an active member of the National Association of Credit Managers and the Credit Women’s Group of Utah, serving on the boards of both organizations.
In 1972, Karen pledged into Beta Sigma Phi, an international women’s social, cultural, and service organization, where she remained a member for 52 years. She cherished the many friendships and fond memories formed through her involvement.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of Sunridge Assisted Living Center in West Jordan for their friendship and compassionate care over the past several years, and to the nurses at Refined Home Health and Hospice for their tender care during Karen’s final days.
Karen is survived by her children: Bill Griffith (Jeanette), Carmen Mills, and Mindy Dansie (Dan); her siblings Bob Conrad, Rhonda Bowcut, Tim Conrad (Patty), Paul Conrad (Camille), and Marvin Conrad (Paulette); and her eight grandchildren: Jacinee, Jayden, Austin, Dustin, Devin, Serena, Whitney, and Courtney.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Klaus Jaenisch; her brother David Conrad; and her brother-in-law Gary Bowcut.
Funeral services will be held at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. A viewing will take place from 10:00–10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service and interment at 11:00 a.m.
May God wrap his arms around you and your family at the difficult time Carmen.
We Love you
Robert and Gina
I was lucky to get to know Karen the last few months of her life. She brought instant joy to me as she became my friend. I enjoyed reading her obituary so I got to know her better. May Mindy and her family cherish the memories you had with her. My sincere prayers to you
"There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains."
-Anonymous
Carmen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. No matter how prepared you think you may be, losing a parent is never easy. But time and remembering all the love you shared helps. May you find comfort in the memories of your beautiful mother
Karen,Deon and myself were best friends in our single days. We’d go to seminars and we were always together trying to figure out men. We never did figure out them but we did decide that women were pretty smart cookies. We’d meet places and have a bite to eat together. I miss those happy days. Yes us single girls were pretty happy. I always thought Karen was the smart Credit Manager. Deon was the easy going government employee. Deon always had something new to tell us. We all cherished each other. Even though I didn’t stay in touch with my two friends I always valued all our younger days together. Karen you and Deon were the two I looked up to. Sending all my love to you both. Love Koreen Stewart
I really enjoyed visiting with Karen and Klaus at our family reunions in Reese River Valley, Nevada. I watched the Zoom service and it made me think of our two visits in Sedona while my husband and I lived there. I remember Karen mentioning how much she liked Sedona. The service is truly a great memorial to Karen.
I just learned of sweet Karen’s passing. She lived a couple doors down from my grandpa and was always stopping in and visiting. She would often ask me if we could sneak out of there and do something fun. My grandpa would push her down the hall in the walker all the time 💕 super sad loss! Prayers to your family!