Karen Helen Sorenson Hovde passed away peacefully Sunday, February 22nd. Karen is predeceased by her adored parents, Helen Mary Storandt and Russell LeRoy Sorenson. Karen is survived by her four children, Debra Bush (Rob), Kristine Hovde, Sarah White (Larry) and Rick Hovde, seven grandchildren, Mary Caroline Trenholm, Benjamin Bush (Jen), Kelsey Bush, Hailee and Griffin White, Holt and Helen Hovde and two great-granddaughters.

Born in her grandparent’s home on Main Street in the Wisconsin Dells on September 23, 1934, Karen lived in Wisconsin until her fourth grade year. Her family then moved to Lafayette, Indiana where she graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and later received her Bachelor of Science in English and History from Purdue University. Karen pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority at Purdue and continued to be actively involved as an alumna. She was President of the Indianapolis KKG Alumnae Association, an Advisor to the DePauw and Butler Chapters of KKG and received the Honor Key for her exemplary service to KKG.

Loving Mother, steadfast friend and community volunteer extraordinaire, Karen has given of herself in multiple ways to the City of Indianapolis and its organizations. A life long Girl Scout, Karen served as a Scout leader and held the role as member of the Hoosier Capital Girl Scout Council where she was Chairwoman of numerous committees, including Affirmative Action, Nominating and Development. She received the Hoosier Capital Girl Scout Appreciation Award and Outstanding Administrative Service Award.

Karen was a life long member of The Children’s Museum Guild where she served as Committee Chairwoman for multiple committees over many decades. She was one of the Children’s Museum first Spooner Award Recipients given to the Guild member that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the Children’s Museum.

A member of The Indianapolis Zoo Guild, Day Nursery Auxiliary of Indianapolis, Eiteljorg Museum Docents, Indianapolis Museum of Art Docents, Karen participated as Chairwoman of many of their fundraisers and outreach committees. Karen was also involved in many of Indianapolis host events, Pan American Games (Protocol and Hospitality Chairwoman for Equestrian venue), Circlefest, and Midsummer Festival.

Her talents were needed when The Skyline Club became the marque dining club atop the AUL building. She worked as Associate Manager of Membership for the Skyline Club for 5 years.

We would like to thank Senior Home Companions, Clare Bridge Memory Care and Heartland Hospice for the love and care they showed Karen these last few years.

Private graveside services and burial will be in the Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, 2611 Waterfront Parkway East Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46214. Friends may sign her online guest book at www.indianafuneralcare.com.