Karen Denise Dillon's Obituary
Karen Denise Dillon, 63, of Howard, Kansas, passed away at her home on January 27, 2025. Born June 27, 1961, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Thomas Dillon and Patricia (Prater) Dillon, Karen lived a life filled with love, compassion, and a deep devotion to her family and community.
Karen’s warm heart and vibrant spirit touched many lives. She was a skilled and dedicated dog trainer, specializing in Great Danes, which she proudly showed at AKC events. Her love for animals, especially her beloved dog, Mouse, was evident to all who knew her. Her home was a haven of beauty, reflecting her passion for flowers and plants.
Four years ago, Karen and her husband Michael, whom she met and worked with at a previous workplace, moved to Howard, Kansas. They were married in April 2022 at the Howard Baptist Church, a place that held a special place in their lives. Karen generously volunteered her time at the Howard Senior Center, and her commitment to her community extended to her service on the Howard Housing Authority Board.
Karen’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she loved and the community she served. She had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody. Her kindness will be deeply missed.
Karen is survived by her husband, Michael Zatorski
Her sons, James (Jennifer) Reichle and Trevor Reichle
Her siblings, Tom Dunn, Timothy Dillon, Regina Dillon, Angela Dillon, and Mary Baxter
Seventeen nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces and nephews; and one great-great-nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Patricia Dillon, and her sister, Vicki Bryant.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Howard, KS.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the funeral home to help with final expenses, or to the Chautauqua County Humane Society in Karen’s memory.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349
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