Karen Lee Meier, age 75, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on July 11, 2024 after a difficult battle with Parkinson’s disease. Karen was born on May 5, 1949 in Portland, Maine and moved to Springfield, Missouri as a young child. She was a talented vocal musician and pianist, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and education from Southwest Missouri State University and Lindenwood University. She was a member of the SMSU university chorus, performing on two European tours, and was a long-standing member of multiple church choirs. As an elementary music teacher for more than four decades. Karen taught thousands of children about the beauty of music, from Beethoven to Elvis. She could play any instrument she picked up and had a particular gift for playing the piano with one hand while standing up and conducting 50 kindergarteners with the other hand. She was also a talented interior designer, building her “side business” with devoted residential and commercial clientele, all while conducting multiple productions a year at her school. Karen loved all people deeply, as children of God, and truly believed everyone was good.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Meier, and sisters Kerry Hartsoe and Sharon Clark (Bill). She was an exceptional mother to Heather Grantham (Don) and Bryan Looney (Angel), and a devoted stepmother to Phil Meier (Lindsey). She was the most extraordinary Mimmie to each one of her grandchildren (Hal, Dylan, Nola, Jesse, Mia, Kami, Landon, Don, Michael) and great-grandchildren (Sophie, Paisley, Ava). Karen was a remarkable auntie, cousin, godmother, and friend. She was a bright light in every room, and will be deeply missed.
Services: Please join Karen’s family and friends for a gathering at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church (4355 Butler Hill Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128) on Monday, July 15th, at 11am. Service will begin at 12pm with burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery immediately following the service.
My deepest sympathies to the family. I was a Pond colleague and admired Karen’s commitment to her students and her support to me.
She will be missed.
When I was a little girl, Karen let me sit beside her on the piano bench for hours on end while she played piano and sang. I learned so many great songs from her, and she was a huge factor in developing my love of music. I have a sweet memory of her sitting on a stool playing guitar with two of her friends singing folk songs at her church in the 60’s. I will always love her dearly.
To our beautiful song bird at Pond. You shared your great talent and love with our whole Pond family. Nothing was impossible; everyone was included. May your dear family find peace with having shared your wonderful life.
How sad I am about Karen’s passing but she leaves extraordinary memories in my heart’s museum. I am so blessed to have led two European concert tours with Karen one of the musical treasures who participated. Keep singing Karen. You are loved 💕 Your choral mentor, Sam Gordon
Ms Meier was my daughter’s music teacher at Pond Elementary School and she was loved by all. She inspired the children (and parents) to explore their own talents and use music to enjoy life to the fullest. My daughter has used this lesson to find great joy in her life. We’re eternally grateful to all the teachers (including Mrs Mariam) at Pond Elementary for the strength they inspired in all the students!
Lisa (and Alexandria) Parnell♥️♥️
To Karen’s family – I have a cute picture of her and my daughter from a Pond Elementary Halloween party (approx. 1997). Please contact me at “lparnla0622@gmail.com” if you would like to see it, as this app would not allow me to attach it. Sending love to all of you.
To know Karen was to love her. Beautiful lady with so many talents. How lucky I was to get to know and have good times with her. She will definitely be missed. My condolences to her entire family.
Karen’s smile & sweet, soft “ giggle” are forever etched in my memory. She gave so freely of her many talents… a life well lived.
Karen was a dear friend of mine in college; we spent many hours together our junior and senior years. I always enjoyed going to her parents’ house in Springfield.
Karen was the most vivacious person I have ever known. She made friends wherever she went. We kept in touch throughout our lives. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Loving music as she did, I am confident that she is now singing in the heavenly choir.
May God give peace to all those who loved her.
What a legacy Karen has left for us.
I will never forget the college recital of Karen (vocal) & my sister, Susan (pipe organ). She had such a big heart. She loved life & her people.
Go rest high on that mountain, my sweet cousin, your work on earth is done
So very saddened to learn of Karen’s passing. We went to elementary school together in Springfield, Missouri and were in Campfire Girls together.
We went to different High Schools but were music majors together at SMSU in Springfield, and went on the first European tour led by our beloved director, Samuel Gordon.
Karen was Music Teacher to 3 of my Grandchildren at Pond Elementary School and was dearly loved by them.
I will always remember Karen’s joyful spirit and will greatly miss her.
And yes, I know Heaven is brighter with her sweet smile and beautiful music. 🎶💕
Karen was so wonderful with my son Zach who has an intellectual disability. He loved disney music, she designed an entire music program at Pond Elementary so he could participate. She so enjoyed all her students and inspired their musical talents. She will be greatly missed.
When I think of Karen, the first thing that comes to mind is her beautiful smile that she shared so easily. Rest in peace dear Karen 🙏
I can’t even begin to put into words what a special person Karen was to me – she was always my biggest supporter when singing together in church choir & Praise band, and also in my craft business. She will always hold a very special spot in my heart and she will never be forgotten – – she will be deeply missed.
I had the pleasure of singing with Karen in the Concert Chorale at SMS for three and a half years. We were all young musicians with dreams of sharing our talents with those opportunities that the future would afford us. Karen was a beautiful person both outside and in. I moved to Ohio following graduation and have missed the opportunity of revisiting those past memories of those college friendships. It is times like these that I wish that I had done a better job in staying connected to those friends. Reading Karen’s obituary, I am happy to see that she never lost that passion for her music and using her gift to impact people of all ages. I look forward to singing with her once again. This time in God’s choir for eternity.
I have such fond memories of Karen from 50ish years ago when we were both Workman in-laws. I always enjoyed hanging out with her at the family gatherings. She brought such fun and laughter to all of us. I only wish I had stayed in contact with her after neither of us were part of that family. I am so glad she found love again after that. Hugs to Heather and Brian and the rest of the family of sweet Karen.
I worked with Karen at Pond Elementary. She consistently brought joy and kindness to the school community. I can’t help but smile when I think of her and all she was! A bright light has moved from here to the next. She will be greatly missed.