Karen Rae Hilbert, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Ammon, Idaho, on September 17, 2026.

Karen was born on January 2, 1943, in Madison, South Dakota, to Victor Kreul and Nathalene Kreul (Nighbert). She was the eldest of their five children.

After graduating from General Beadle State College in 1965, Karen began her lifelong devotion to education. Teaching was more than a career for Karen—it was a calling. For many years, she stood in front of a classroom and changed lives, one student and one lesson at a time. Throughout her career, she earned her Masters of Education and received multiple awards recognizing her excellence in teaching. In 2015, Karen was honored as a special guest at the spring commencement ceremony at Dakota State University, where she received a 50-year diploma.

On November 20, 1971, Karen married her sweetheart, Alan “Skeeter” Hilbert, at St. Mary’s Church in New Ulm, Minnesota. In 1974, their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Sherry Hilbert Barnhard. Two years later, in 1976, their family was complete with the addition of their son, Jason Alan Hilbert.

In 1988, Karen and her family moved from their home in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Pasco, Washington. Karen continued her dedication to teaching and educating students in Washington until her retirement in 2008.

In 2011, Karen and Skeeter moved to Mackay, Idaho, to be closer to their daughter and granddaughter, Zoe Vandereyken (Barnhard). After living in several places around Idaho, they eventually settled in Ammon in 2022.

Retirement gave Karen and Skeeter the opportunity to enjoy another passion—traveling. They often took to the road, traveling many miles to visit family and friends. They especially enjoyed returning to Minnesota and South Dakota.

In 2025, Karen and Skeeter fulfilled a longtime dream when they took an Alaskan cruise. It was a special adventure and a memory they cherished.

Karen also had a great love of sports, especially basketball. In recent years, she delighted in watching the WNBA and became a devoted fan of her favorite player, Caitlin Clark. She always knew when the next game was and was ready to watch.

Karen will be remembered for her strength, her unwavering devotion to her family, her dedication to teaching, and her love of sports, travel, and the people whose lives she touched. Above all, she will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of love, education, family, and countless lives made better by knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Service and family information will be updated soon.