Karen Juna Milbrandt was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on July 7, 1951, to parents, Earl and June (Irvin) Hudnell. During her younger years, she lived in many places in central Louisiana and eastern Texas, finally settling in Bossier City, Louisiana, where she attended school, graduating from Airline High School in 1969. After which, she attended and successfully completed cosmetology school.

On October 7, 1972, Karen married Lyle Milbrandt at a parsonage in Haughton, Louisiana. To this union a stepdaughter (Tammy) joined, and a daughter (Christy) was born. They lived several places, Okinawa, Japan; Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota; Robbins AFB, Georgia; finally retiring from the military in September 1982. They returned to South Dakota to make a permanent home (Not her choice, growing up in the south). She made the best of the situation for the full 50 years she was married (October 7, 1972 – December 22, 2022). Not fully forgiving me for making her live in South Dakota.

Death came to Karen on December 22, 2022, at Monument Health Hospice House. She reached the age of 71 years, 5 months, and 15 days. Her final years were not kind to her, being homebound except for her battery-operated scooter. Karen made many loving friends with the staff at the hospice house and will always appreciate their care and kindness. Karen was known for her lovely painted fingernails that updated with the seasons, thanks to her longtime friend, Lalenia Seifert.

Karen is survived by her husband, Lyle, of Rapid City, South Dakota; 2 daughters, Tammy (Shawn) Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota; and Christy Brookes of Rapid City, South Dakota; 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, all of Rapid City, South Dakota; and 2 sisters, Sandra (Barry) Reynolds, and Susan Hudnell, both of Louisiana.

Karen was preceded in death by 1 brother, Larry Hudnell; 1 sister, Debra Ellis; 1 niece, Kathy Beth Hudnell; and 1 nephew, Drew Hudnell.

May God bless Karen on her journey, and may God bless all that knew her.