Karen Ann Dekko, of Huntsville, passed away Saturday. Karen was born in Ada, Minnesota, to Norwegian parents, Clara and Edward Dekko. The youngest of seven children, Karen was preceded in death by her brothers Chet and Stanton, and her sisters Adeline, Bunny, and Sherry, and is survived by her sister Evie. Karen is also survived by her three children, Brian Paulus (Angie), Craig Paulus (Lisa), and Leslie Sharpe (Antony). She was beloved “Grandma Dekko” to her nine grandchildren: Peyton and Reagan Paulus; Brennan, Grayson, Jensen, and Clara Paulus; and Haley, Julia, and Ian Sharpe. She was a very special “Auntie Karen” to many, many nieces and nephews.
Children were of the utmost importance to her and she gave generously to support education, music, and the arts. As a “room grandmother” to Morris Elementary first graders, Karen provided legendary class parties. One relationship she built with a child there continued for years. When Karen took food to the church’s food pantry, it always included cookies wrapped with a bow. “Everyone needs cookies!” she would say. Karen loved animals and cherished her farm, Nordic Thoroughbreds. Her bright outlook and strength of faith never diminished.
Karen credited her Lutheran-Norwegian heritage with instilling her with a keen awareness of the needs of others. She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for fifty years and a Sunday school teacher for 35 years. Karen served our community as a Board member of Huntsville Community Ballet, Girls Incorporated, the Mental Health Association of Madison County, the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, and as a member of the Huntsville Symphony Guild, the Huntsville Museum of Art Guild, and the social and service sorority Beta Sigma Phi. Karen also volunteered her time to many other endeavors, including the Huntsville City-Wide Summer Bible School Program (Lincoln Village) and the Scan Program at NCAC.
This loss will be felt by countless people, especially her beloved family. Karen was a wonderful mom, grandma, and friend whose love and support was immense and invaluable. She truly touched so many lives with her spunky, can-do attitude, kind words, and heartfelt concern for others. We have lost a very special lady who brightened the world by her presence.
Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:30 pm on Friday, April 2, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Gary Soop. Karen will be buried beside her parents in Ada, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Children’s Advocacy Center, 210 Pratt Ave., Huntsville, AL 35801.
