Karen Elaine Jaster

Karen Elaine Jaster, 66, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2021 with family by her side. She was born in Austin on February 19, 1955 to Herbert and Earline (Knoche) Jaster. Karen graduated from Johnston High School in 1973 and began working for the Internal Revenue Service shortly afterwards. Her career at IRS spanned 43 years before retiring in 2017.

Karen loved animals, especially horses and dogs. She owned a horse, “Just Go Strait” (named after her love for the King of Country), which raced at various tracks across the state. Her love of dogs was immense and endless. She was blessed with the affection and companionship of many pups throughout her life.

Karen’s faith was a pillar in her life. She was baptized, confirmed and a lifetime member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church. Like her mother, Karen taught Sunday School for many years and previously served on the St. Martin’s Day School Board. She also provided love and support to others through her service on the Bereavement and Welcome Committees. She will miss her St. Martin’s family dearly.

While her physical strength was tested when it came to her health, she prevailed time and time again. Karen survived stage 3 colon cancer twice, making it through years of chemotherapy, radiation sessions and dozens of surgeries. Cancer did not prevail, but in September of 2020 she was diagnosed with kidney failure and began dialysis. Her health struggles took a toll, yet she approached it all without pity. Karen did not question why she faced so many challenges and rarely complained.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Earline Jaster, Grandparents Gus and Annie Jaster and Johnny and Antonie Knoche, many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends whom she loved deeply.

She is survived by her brother Gary Jaster (partner Letty Greaves), sister Debbie (Freddie) Orosco; nephew Nicholas (Daniella) Jaster, niece Emily (Dan) Seed; her dearly loved great-nephews-and nieces Simon, Alexander and Mira Jaster, Nora and Anna Seed; sister-in-law Diane Jaster; family and friends including Rhonda Cain, Dickie Hough, Betty Flentge, Susan Jensen, Tamara Allen-Bray and many others. Karen will be remembered as a kind and thoughtful soul who will be missed by all.

A visitation will take place on June 27, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar. A memorial service will take place on June 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 606 W. 15th Street. Karen will then be laid to rest at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Drive. All attendees for the visitation and memorial service are asked to wear a mask.

The family would like to express their appreciation to all the nurses and doctors who cared for Karen throughout the years, especially to the staff at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House for their compassion and love during her final days.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Austin Humane Society or Hospice Austin.