Karen Kay (Weise) Clendennen

Karen Kay Weise Clendennen, 62, entered into the welcoming arms of Jesus after a brief hard-fought battle with cancer. She began her heavenly journey April 14, 2023 with her loving family at her side.

Karen was born February 19, 1961 to Roger and Arleen Sager Weise. She grew up in the boonies of Arneckeville where as a toddler she liked to escape the watchful eyes of her parents and go roaming, causing frantic searching to ensue. For family gatherings, Karen could be counted on to bring her delicious fudgy brownies, even with the occasional pecan shell included, which brought about a great deal of teasing but she would then remind everyone she had worked hard hand-shelling the pecans herself. On annual sausage making day, she could be counted on for her tying skills for the hundreds of sausages that were made. Though weak, she still didn't miss the last sausage making event on February 11 and was disappointed she couldn't help. Karen enjoyed working in her yard tending to her roses and surrounded by her collection of wind chimes of hummingbirds and angels. But Karen was best known for her beautiful smile and sweet disposition. 

Karen was baptized, confirmed, and grew up as a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arneckeville. She later became a member of Cuero Assembly of God Church. Karen's greatest joy occurred on January 31, 1995 with the birth of her daughter Kay Lynn. On November 17, 2003, Karen married Lawrence Clendennen, who always referred to meeting her as the beautiful lily who came into his life. 

Karen leaves behind to cherish her memories: husband Lawrence Clendennen; daughter Kay Janacek; parents Roger and Arleen Weise; sisters - Jeanice Caddell, LaNell (Steve) Storbeck, Michelle Borgfeld; mother-in-law Joyce Taylor; brother-in-law Bryce Taylor; sister-in-law Doniece Taylor; nieces - Cindy, Chrissy, Ashley, Felicia, Taylor; nephews - Joshua, Caleb, Clifford, Zachary, Paul; also great nieces and nephews, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and many, many cousins and friends. Karen was preceded in death by her grandparents Werner and Matilda Weise, Edwin and Elsie Sager, father-in-law Carl Clendennen, and brothers-in-law Clay Caddell and Charles Borgfeld.

Visitation will be held April 18, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Massey Funeral Home, 779 N. Riedel Street, Yorktown, Texas.

Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church of Arneckeville, 509 Zion Cemetery Rd. Cuero, Texas on April 19, 2023 at 10 am with Pastor Kara Hairell-Speed of Zion Lutheran Church and Pastor RJ Love of Cuero Assembly of God officiating and Pastor Terry Brown assisting. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pall bearers will be Karen’s nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be her sisters. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of South Texas, Dornburg Center for the wonderful, compassionate care they provided to Karen and the family. Also thank you to the family members, friends, and pastors who sat with Karen and the family and made their love known to her and us.

Memorials may be made to the family to offset expenses or to Hospice of South Texas, Dornburg Center - 1005 Mallette Drive, Victoria, Texas 77904.

As Karen weakened and began to lose her ability to speak, one of the last things she said to her sister was “I heard Heaven is beautiful”; we rejoice in knowing that Karen is experiencing the beauty of Heaven first-hand.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want….I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

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