Karen Kryger-Cohea

Karen Kryger-Cohea died January 6, 2025, at her home in Fairfield, at the age of 76. Karen was born in Yuma, Arizona to Elgy and Ellen Kryger in 1948. She grew up on the family farm, the big sister to four rowdy brothers. While she was in high school, she went on a double date; Ron Cohea was the other half of the date. When he saw how poorly her date was treating her, he stepped in and saved her – the first of many times. When she was a senior her family moved to San Diego and Karen stayed behind to graduate from Kofa High School. This move did not deter true love; Ron and Karen were married by her grandfather, the Rev. Raymond Acheson, in 1969 while they were still students at San Diego State University. Karen had a brilliant mind that led her in the passionate pursuit of a wide variety of interests. Her (first) college degree is an example of this: she majored in Spanish, child development and home economics and was awarded a secondary teaching credential in 1971. Her first job was as a high school home economics teacher. Raised in the Presbyterian church, Karen was deeply influenced by her grandfather’s ministry. She was called to attend San Francisco Theological Seminary where, in 1983, she earned a Master of Divinity, and became one of the first women in the church’s history to be ordained. After her ordination she served as associate pastor and founding director of the preschool at First Presbyterian Church in Vallejo. Karen learned to play the piano as a child and the instrument was center stage in her home. In addition to playing for her own enjoyment and accompanying her son Chris on trumpet, she taught piano lessons for decades. She eventually retired from a career as a Spanish teacher at Benicia High School. After retiring she served as a guest pastor at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Benicia. Throughout her life Karen remained interested in sewing and cooking. She is remembered for the delicate dresses she smocked for her beloved daughter Katrena, and the pretzels dipped in white chocolate she made every 4th of July. She was always ready to talk about a new recipe or a new crafting technique. In addition to her husband Ron, Karen is survived by her two children: Christian (Melissa) and Katrena (K.C. Morrison) and two grandchildren, Norah and Bennett. She also leaves behind her brothers: Kirk Kryger (Teresa), Dwight Kryger (Cheryl) and Dwayne Kryger (Laura). She will be missed by Havana, her faithful Havanese. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Homer. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 11 at 3pm at Heritage Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions in Karen’s name can be made to Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1400 E 2nd St, Benicia, CA 94510.

Karen Kryger-Cohea

December 9, 1948 - January 6, 2025