Karen Meiners Kneer passed away on April 28, 2022, after a short illness. Karen was an adoring wife, loving mother, devoted friend, and dedicated teacher, who touched the hearts of all those who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

Karen is survived by her husband of 19 years, Dr. Wolfgang Kneer, and their sons, Oliver and Jonathan Kneer. Karen is also survived by her parents, Kurt and Lisa Meiners, her brother Cord Meiners (Natasha), her parents-in-law, Wolfgang and Helga Kneer, her sister-in-law, Kristiane Miller (Jeff), and her nieces, nephews and cousins.

Karen was born and raised in Brake, Germany, where she excelled as a gifted equestrian and won the European Championship. In 2004, Karen and her family moved to Tuscaloosa and made it their home. For more than a decade, Karen was a devoted teacher at Tuscaloosa Academy, where she focused her energy on Tuscaloosa Academy’s German Program. Karen was also an active participant in Tuscaloosa’s German community and organized many important celebrations and activities for German Festivals.

Karen was a truly kind, selfless and beautiful person, inside and out, who was loved by all who knew her. Karen loved sunshine, nature, hummingbirds, and entertaining family and friends. Most of all, Karen adored her husband, Wolfgang, and their two boys, Oli and Jonni. Karen was their biggest fan and the cornerstone of their success. Karen stoked Wolfgang’s entrepreneurial spirit to start new businesses and win The Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Karen cheered Oli and his soccer team to victory at The Alabama State Championship. Karen also cheered Jonni to victory at the Alabama State Tennis Championships. She was so very, very proud of her boys, as they were of her.

The Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at 3 PM on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5518 Rice Mine Rd NE, Tuscaloosa AL 35406. Karen’s family will receive visitors at the Church prior to the funeral service, starting at 2 PM.

Karen was passionate for the well-being of children, and in lieu of flowers, her family asks that you donate to the Secret Backpack Meals Program at the West Alabama Food Bank, 3160 McFarland Boulevard, Northport, Alabama 35476.

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