Karen Sue Wagner, born in Anamosa, Iowa, lived a life of deep compassion, dedication, and faith. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse before graduating as the Valedictorian of her class. In 1967, she earned her nursing degree from the St. Luke’s Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, embarking on a remarkable 56-year career as a Registered Nurse.
Karen’s nursing journey took her through ICU, rehabilitation, and psychiatric care, where she touched countless lives with her skill, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Nursing was more than a profession to her—it was a calling. She cared for people, plants, and animals with the same gentle devotion, always seeing the needs of others and responding with love.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and lived each day with grace and purpose. In her free time, she found joy in writing poetry, reading, and tending to her beloved plants and flowers.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Bernard McGovern, and her mother, Myrtle Pillard.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer McCaleb (Michael) of Mt. Juliet, TN; her sons, Mathew Wagner and Michael Wagner, both of Lebanon, TN; and her grandson, AJ Clark III of Carthage, TN. She is also survived by her siblings: Judy Phyfe of Marion, IA; Kathy Hartl (Paul) of Central City, IA; Gary McGovern (Connie) of Central City, IA; Randy McGovern (Nancy) of Central City, IA; and Ronnie McGovern (Vickie) of Anamosa, IA.
Karen’s legacy of kindness, faith, and service will be forever cherished by those who knew and loved her.
A graveside service for Karen will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Ln, Old Hickory, TN 37138. You may also join the family for visitation following the service at 2:30 at The Bridge Fellowship in Lebanon, TN. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/old-hickory-tn
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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