Karen Campbell

Karen Riedel Campbell passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024 with her husband by her side. She was 78 years old. Born in Galveston, Texas to Leo A Riedel and Gertrude Russey Riedel on June 26,1945.

Karen grew up in LaMarque, Texas, graduating from LaMarque High School in 1964. She was an All State clarinet player, twirler, and drum major for the LaMarque High Tiger Band. After high school she went to The University of Houston where she played clarinet for the U of H Band and where she met the love of her life, Larry Campbell. They were married on August 7, 1965, beginning their 59 year journey together. Larry graduated from the University of Houston while Karen earned her P.H.T. ("Put Hubby Through College").

Larry became a band director, with jobs carrying the newlyweds first to Amarillo, then Galveston, back to the Houston area, then finally Larry became the band director for Blinn college in Brenham where they found their home together for 50 years and raised their sons: Russell, Jeff, and Steve. When the boys were all grown, Karen became a teacher, first at the local Montessori School, then at the Methodist Pre-school where she was affectionately known as Miss Karen. Karen loved working with small children and carried stories from those times with her for the rest of her life.

Karen was called Memaw by her 5 grandchildren, whom she adored and loved to visit with every chance she got.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Leo and Gertrude Riedel and her brother, Lee. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Larry, her sons Russell (wife Ami), Jeff, and Steve (wife Michelle), her sister, Kathy Landrum, and her 5 grandchildren - Jasper, Aelish, Violet, Rowen, and Leo Campbell. She also leaves behind her nieces Lauren Arnold (husband Ryan) and Courtney Erwin (husband Patrick), great nephews Landon, Will, and Sawyer, and several cousins.

A visitation will be held Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.