Karen Ann Kalb
March 19, 1949 – August 29, 2026
Karen Kalb (née Aufmuth) passed away on August 29, 2026, at the age of 77.
Karen will be remembered for her generous heart, her strength, and her genuine desire to help others. Throughout her life, helping others was deeply important to her. She offered friendship, encouragement, guidance, and hope to many people over the years and was always willing to extend a hand to someone who needed it.
Karen was known for always answering her phone, no matter when someone called or what they were going through. If someone needed help, encouragement, or simply someone to listen, Karen was there.
The difference she made in the lives of so many people is an important part of the legacy she leaves behind.
Karen is survived by her husband, Charles Spencer; her son, Thomas Kalb, and daughter-in-law, Kelly Kalb; her stepson, Charlie Spencer; and her beloved grandsons, Christopher Kalb and Matthew Kalb.
She is also survived by her brother, Frank Aufmuth, and his wife, Sharon; her sister, Mary Birk, and her husband, Ken; along with extended family and many dear friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her late husband, Thomas C. Kalb.
A loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, friend of Bill W., mentor, and friend, Karen held a special place in the hearts of those who knew her.
Karen’s life was one of love, perseverance, friendship, and service. Her greatest legacy can be found not only in the family she loved so dearly, but also in the many people she helped along the way. The encouragement she gave, the phone calls she answered, the hope she shared, and the lives she touched will continue long after her passing.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Karen’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to Pet Helpers’ Seniors for Seniors program.
Services
Services will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Memorial Mass
10:00 a.m.
St. Mark’s Church
4220 Ripa Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63125
Celebration of Life Luncheon
11:30 a.m.
Royal Orleans Banquet Hall
2801 Telegraph Road
St. Louis, MO 63125
Family and friends are welcome to attend either or both gatherings, as they feel comfortable and as their schedules allow.
I was fortunate to work with Karen during 1986-1989 at Coin Acceptors. She and I were each walking through difficult seasons in our lives, and we lifted one another’s spirits on many occasions. I’m glad to read here that Karen was able to find love again, and that she was blessed with two grandsons. Her family and friends have my sincere sympathy.
Karen is an Alumnus of St. Margaret of Scotland Grade School – Class of 1963. On behalf of her classmates, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends. Also know that we share in your sorrow and grieve for your loss. Fond memories exist of those times together in the classroom during the school year as well as those during the summertime in the ole neighborhood. Karen will be forever missed, always remembered, and never forgotten.
“In the end, it’s really the beginning that counts”
danny slay/
Rest in Peace Karen! Prayers of comfort and strength are offered to the family and loved ones of Karen.
Karen was the most positive person I knew, she knew the Lord was with her and would give her what she needed. We had many fun times at Geno’s on 39th St eating our ff and drinking cherry cokes. I will miss her laugh and listening ear , she touched so many! I have no doubt she is resting in peace!!
I was privileged to share grandchildren with Karen but over the years she became much more than that she became my friend
Karen was kind, loving and compassionate. in the 25 years I knew her I never heard her say unkind word about anyone. She lived by her values and stayed true to herself..
Karen also had a child like quality that was adorable and fun. She always made me laugh.
One of my fondest memories is on Christmas Eve at Karen‘s house. We participated in her Christmas parade. We danced from the kitchen down the hall to the living room back to the kitchen, singing a Christmas Carroll. It was so Karen. It was one of those times that i will remember forever. She had a singing fish on her wall! She found joy everywhere. My daughter and grandchildren were lucky to have her. Karen was crazy about her family and she loved my daughter and Kelly loved her too. She was a wonderful mother-in-law. There was never a time that I talked to Karen on the phone when she didn’t tell me how blessed we were to have our kids and grandkids.
We were all blessed. There are no words to explain how much she will be missed.
I was employed at Coin Acceptors (1994 to 2003) and Karen worked there most of that time. She and her sister Mary, ate their dinners in the Shipping Department Office with “Frances” most days. My last contact with Karen was on a bus ride from St. Louis County into the city about 10 years ago and was a purely coincidental meeting. We talked and shared memories for the entire trip. I am sorry I could not attend the funeral or other services. I recently had a major Heart Attack and at age 87+ I cannot function as well as I used too. My sympathies are extended to all her family.