Karen Margaret Snethen

Karen Margaret Snethen

(1/10/1947 – 4/24/2026)

Karen joined her husband in heaven on April 24, 2026, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Rolla, North Dakota on January 10, 1947, to Marcenia and Everett Foster. Karen spent most of her childhood in Geneseo, Kansas, where she graduated high school in 1965. After graduation she moved to Topeka to attend secretarial school which prepared her for a long career as a unit secretary at St. Francis Hospital. At St. Francis she soon settled in the Emergency Department where she worked the rest of her career, retiring in 2007.

Karen Foster married Dan Snethen on July 3, 1971, in Burlingame, Kansas. She became stepmother to Todd Snethen, then later welcomed her boys Dusty, in 1975, and Chad, in 1979. Dan and Karen owned and operated a diner in Geneseo Kansas called “Dan & Karen’s Diner”. Dan and Karen would eventually move back to Topeka, Kansas where they worked and raised their family.

Karen was the most caring and loving sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved her family fiercely and was so appreciative of those who spent time with her. She especially loved to crack jokes and laugh in the most good-natured way. Even as her memory and health faded, she was always smiling. “I didn’t do it!” was her typical response when greeted or “I’ll take a couple million if you have it” when asked if she needed anything. She was the self-proclaimed greatest Elvis fan and spent her last days surrounded by her Elvis collection, watching Elvis movies, and listening to his music. She was one of a kind and will be missed dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Marcenia Foster; husband Dan Snethen; sons Todd and Chad Snethen; sister Etta Rush, and brother Ralph Foster.

She is survived by her son Dusty (Melissa) Snethen, three grandchildren, brother Marvin Foster, and many nieces and nephews.

The family is organizing a Celebration of Life Open House to be held at a later date.