Karen Sue Cochran Tempfel, 80, of Columbia, Mo., passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at The Villa Blue Ridge.

Karen was born June 8, 1943, in Boonville, Mo., the daughter of James Robert and Mildred (Swarner) Cochran, who preceded her in death.

Karen graduated from Boonville High School in 1961.

She married the love of her life, Floyd Tempfel, on Sept. 2, 1961, in Boonville, Mo. He preceded her in death on Nov. 9, 2022. They had been married for 61 years.

Despite suffering major injuries in a car crash in 1964, and a lengthy rehabilitation, Karen remained an active and enthusiastic participant in her family and community. She ran the administrative portion of the physical therapy department for many years at the University of Missouri, Columbia. She went on to assist her husband Floyd in establishing his orthotic and prosthetic business. They owned and operated over 20 clinics across Missouri and Oklahoma.

Karen and Floyd enjoyed many years of living in a variety of communities including their hometowns of Pilot Grove and Boonville, Mo.; Creede, Colo.; Okeechobee, Fla.; and Warsaw, Mo. Karen designed their Pilot Grove, Mo., and Creede, Colo., houses.

She enjoyed reading, sewing, and traveling in their RV home. One of their most memorable summer trips was caravanning with friends to Alaska. Friends and family will long remember Karen as a cheerful engaged and engaging conversationalist with a bright smile, generous heart, and strong faith.

Survivors include one brother, Brent H. Cochran of Lee’s Summit; one nephew, Tim Harlan, of Columbia and five nieces Tina Tempfel Stanley of Bedford, Va.; Saundra Cochran Smith of Clinton; Linnet Harlan of Pacific Grove, Calif.; Laurel Harlan and Heather Harlan also of Columbia.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Tracie Lee Tempfel, sister Dorothy Cochran Harlan, and brother James Robert Cochran, Jr.

On Thursday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m., a celebration of Life Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 417 Vine St., Boonville with Pastor Terry Overfelt of Broadway Christian Church, Columbia, officiating. Immediately following the service, guests are encouraged to greet and visit with the family at the church following the service.

Private interment will take place at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Mo.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Johns United Church of Christ, 14191 Billingsville Rd., Boonville, MO  65233.