Karen Ann Rieland (Karen Bode), 78, of Denton, Texas, peacefully passed away on October 7, 2025.  She fought a courageous, difficult 3-year battle with cancer.

Karen was born on September 27, 1947 to Ted and Irene Bode in New Ulm, Minnesota.  She grew up on the family farm near Nicollet, Minnesota. She met the love of her life when they started high school. Rick and Karen got married on June 14, 1969 and were married for 56 years. Together they raised 2 children, Amy and Todd. They were also blessed with 2 granddaughters, Molly and Caroline.

Karen graduated from college with a teaching degree. She taught 5th grade for 1 year and decided it wasn't for her. But eventually, she found her way back into the classroom and it became a passion until she retired in 2007. It was through teaching that she met her best friend, Tammie Seay. Through the years, Karen and Tammie truly became family. Tammie's children, Laynee and Adam, became "RiRi's" grandchildren.

Karen could always be found doing something creative, from scrapbooking, stamping, jewelry making or junk journaling. For years, she would start making Christmas cards in the summer to send overseas so soldiers could send those cards to their loved ones back home. This brought her so much joy.

Karen and Rick loved traveling and experiencing new places together. They took trips throughout the United States with their children. Once they became empty nesters, they made many trips to Europe. Karen did her best to support shop-owners in every city, looking for the perfect tote bag and trinkets for her loved ones at home.

Karen will be remembered as someone who loved fiercely. When you were in her presence, you could feel her genuine interest in the details of your life. She wanted to share the joys and sorrows and be there for the people she loved. She was always steadfast in her love and found ways to show that to us all. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rick; her children and their spouses: Amy and Michael Maxwell of Frisco, Todd and Jenny Rieland of Aubrey, and her grandchildren: Molly and Caroline Maxwell.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on October 25th at 2pm at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust, Denton, Texas.