Karen Anderson Longhart
Karen Anderson Longhart, 49, died at home Tuesday, June 1, 2010 in Kalispell from cancer. She was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 19, 1960 when her parents, Malcolm and Helen Anderson, welcomed her as their sixth child.
They went on to have two more children to round out the family of eight. Karen grew up in Colorado Springs in a wonderful and loving family, where there was never a dull moment! She attended Coronado High School and graduated in 1978. Her favorite high school age memories were having both parents cheering her on at every swim meet, giving a speech at graduation and doing a moonlight climb of Mt. Elbert.
It was at Coronado where Karen met Fred, her soul mate and husband of 28 years. After graduating from college and finally convincing Fred to marry her, the couple moved to Kalispell and spent their time teaching math to thousands of students. Karen taught at Columbia Falls High School from 1982-1984, Kalispell Junior High School from 1984-1985, Flathead High School from 1985-2002, and Flathead Valley Community College from 2002 to the present. Helping people learn math and also helping math teachers improve their practice was a passion for both Karen and Fred and something they did together. Of course, they did everything together as anyone who knows them can attest. Her favorite memories of teaching were seeing a student's eyes light up when they succeeded, visits from Fred who taught next door, and sharing the energy and fun that often takes place in a high school classroom.
Karen won numerous teaching awards and was involved in improving math education at the local, state, and national level where she was heavily involved with both the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of mathematics. Being a Presidential Awardee and being honored with a State Department dinner and a visit to the East Wing of the White House were powerful reminders of the importance of helping children learn. It was even more special when Fred followed suit a couple of years later.
In addition to her passion for teaching, her passion for being active and fit was also apparent by the amount of time she spent at the Summit swimming and lifting weights. Fred and Karen also spent every free moment hiking in Glacier National Park or walking at their favorite secret spot west of Kalispell. During the winter, they skated and skied as often as possible.
Karen is survived by her wonderful and loving husband Fred, and their dog Monte. They did nearly everything together and particularly enjoyed working out together, sitting by the campfire talking and just enjoying each other's company. Karen was always in awe of the unconditional love that Fred showered upon her throughout their entire marriage, but in particular during the last three years. He was always there for her — every step of the way. Their love was a precious gift that was both valued and appreciated. That love will continue on forever.
She was preceded in death by her father. Karen is also survived by her siblings and their spouses; Dave and Jennifer Anderson of Colorado Springs, Colo., Kathy and Jack Hickey of Monument, Colo.; Debby and Chris Jenkins of San Diego, Calif., Dan and Julie Anderson of Columbia, S.C., Chris and Julie Anderson of Denver, Colo., Suzy and Danny Evans of Windsor, Colo., and Julie and Matt Nesbitt of Fort Collins, Colo. She has numerous nieces and nephews. Fred's siblings are Bill and Donna Holder of Cypress, Calif., and Sharon Gedack of Colorado Springs, Colo. Karen was grateful to have such a close knit and supportive family.
A celebration of Karen's life was held at the ATT building at FVCC June 7, 2010. No memorial fund has been established. The family would prefer that you wear informal attire. She would prefer it if you would do something special with a loved one in her honor. Life is the school. Love is the lesson.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Karen's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Karen's tribute wall.