Karen Kay Kemper
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Karen Kay Kemper, 79, born May 27, 1945 in Kansas City, MO, passed away on July 24, 2024. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey sr. and Mildred (Holmes) Kemper.
She is survived by her loving son, Blake Skole, former husband, Will Skole, “Adopted son” Raul Lopez, (Sandra), brother Harvey Kemper, jr., nephew, Joe McBride, (Stacey), niece, Kari Kemper, nephew, Kurt Kemper, (Dulce), great-nephew, Andres Kemper, great-nieces, Emily and Audrey McBride, and many dear friends, including her pets.
Karen spent her life on the homestead named by her parents, Cedar Heights Farm. Her childhood was spent with her family raising livestock, including, American Saddlebred show horses, which eventually led her being honored and inducted to the American Saddlebred Hall of Fame in Lexington, Kentucky.
She continued her passion for horses, with the assistance of her son Blake as trainer, into a breeding and training facility of National, and International caliber Arabian and Half-Arabian show horses.
Karen’s joy was teaching the up-and-coming kids, and to prepare them for their future in the horse industry, resulting in many of her students achieving Local, Class A, Regional, and National championships.
On July 24, 2005, Karen had a life-threatening heart attack at the Arabian Youth Nationals, this was the point in time where Blake transitioned from being the son, to his mother’s caretaker for the rest of her life.
Blake tells the story of a card given to him by his mom telling him that “the day he was born was the greatest day of her life.”
Karen would speak to anyone who would listen of how blessed she was for the relationship she had with her son. She was the ultimate supportive cheerleader, whether Blake was playing sports or getting involved with her passion for horses. “I am blessed to have my “Pride and Joy be my best friend in this life.”
Karen’s favorite times were spent with Blake watching her beloved Kansas City Chiefs. She had great enjoyment watching Blake throwing a fit over failures of his Fantasy Football teams. She loved watching games and finally winning three Super Bowls.
Services will be held Sunday, August 11, at the Martin Event Space, (Martin City), 13440 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. Visitation will be from 1 to 2pm with the Memorial service beginning at 2pm. Out of respect for Karen, the family requests business casual dress for the service. Light snacks to follow the service.
A memorial GoFundMe account has been setup in Karen’s name by a friend, it is the “Karen Kemper Memorial Fund”, https://gofund.me/4f2fb804 . In lieu of flowers we would like to have a permanent memorial in her honor to be determined as to what and where at the conclusion of the fundraiser.
Our deepest sympathies for all the family. Karen was a beautiful teacher, mentor and friend of all of us in the Van Trump family. She will be missed even though we know heaven gained a beautiful angel
She was a beautiful lady who liked to share beauty around her.
I’m incredibly sorry for your loss. Sending heartfelt prayers to all her family and friends.
Karen lived a beautiful life and was so blessed to have a kind son to carry on her legacy. I remember visiting Karen often as a youth and she always had an encouraging word and many smiles to share. Even when times were tough she showed the community what true grace and grit could accomplish. I still wish I would’ve been able to buy the beautiful chestnut horse with a blaze face and 4 white stockings from her, but I couldn’t afford it at the time & my Mom wouldn’t ok trading my Jeep Cherokee for it! Thinking back it still makes me smile and giggle at how much she understood the love of horses.
Karen was a beautiful soul. So many wonderful memories of our years of showing horses together, our families being together. Karen will be missed by all.
Your loving care, strength, and faith were an inspiration as your mother battled with her health challenges. What an extraordinary son you were to her! I know you were a great comfort to her, and you were blessed to have had each other. Karen will be remembered in the hearts of many. Through God’s grace we can be assured that this earthly separation is but temporary. Sending much love and prayers!
Sweet,Beautiful,kind tenacious lady. You taught me so many life lessons. I’m grateful for our times together. You have fought the good fight. Go rest with our Heavenly Father. I love you .
I have very fond memories of Karen since I was a little girl. I was always in awe watching
her ride her beautiful Saddlebreds. She had such distinct, contagious laugh. It could be years until I saw her again, and Karen always asked how my parents were and would compliment me. She had a way of making you feel beautiful and good. Always loved her sass, and honesty.
What a great lady and Horsewoman. I know that when it was Karen’s time to spread her wings, all those she had lost were waiting for her. Hallelujah she’s home!