Karen F. Fox

Karen Frances Fox, 80, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri died Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Lutheran Home. She was born July 16, 1945, in Cape Girardeau, MO to James W. and Mary M. Brorein Abernathy. Karen graduated from Sikeston High School and was Drum Major for the marching band. She went on to pursue her education and received her teaching degree from Maryville College in Davenport, Iowa. She taught at Parkview State School in Cape Girardeau. She retired as the office manager at LaCroix Pet Hospital after more than 20 years. From a very young age, Karen loved animals. She had many pets, including cats, dogs, horses and birds throughout the years. Her passion for animals led her to rehabilitate various wild animals such as birds, squirrels, skunks and raccoons. Karen was instrumental in founding the Cape Humane Society (now Southeast Missouri Pets). She received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Humane Society in 1988. Additionally, she absolutely loved planting and maintaining her beautiful, numerous flower beds that were seeded with dirt from the family farm in Sikeston. She devoted many hours to her flowers; often bringing them to share with friends and family. Her flowers brought joy to everyone that visited. Another one of her passions was the Saint Louis Cardinals baseball team. Survivors include two daughters, Laura E. Fox and Krista Fox Sharpe; sister, Nancy M. Haertling; granddaughter, Isabella M. Fox; two nephews, Greg (Tiffany) Haertling, and Brad Haertling; cousins, Mary (Barry) Bennett, David Knight, and Wally Knight. She is also survived by loving friends and close relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents and Gwenn L Freitag, DVM, former owner of LaCroix Pet Hospital. Visitation will be 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, July 26, 2025, with funeral services to follow, at 1:00 pm, at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. The Rev. Donny Ford will be officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to SEMO Pets 180 Weston St, Cape Girardeau, Mo 63701 Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

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Karen F. Fox

July 16, 1945 - July 19, 2025