Remembering Karen from Krayon’s
Family and friends are celebrating the life of Karen Jonke, the owner of Krayon's Gallery who passed away on September 24.
Karen was a giant in the Castro Valley community. In 1979, she bought Krayon’s which she owned for 42 years. Patrons remember it as a safe, fun place where friends and family could meet, have a drink, laugh, and be part of a second family. Karen always greeted everyone with a smile. Many lifelong friendships and marriages were created.
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our family and friends who are with us today and here in spirit to share our love and beautiful remembrance for our beloved angel," Karen's daughter Jennifer Parker said.
Karen had many nicknames throughout her life—Super Brat, Mom, Krayon, The Queen, Don Karen, Auntie Karen—but the one she cherished most of all was Grammy.
"Her biggest joy in life was being a Grammy, but she also loved traveling, spending time at the Beach House, volunteering, and going to the theater with her husband," Parker said. "Christmas was her favorite time of the year when she would spend hours decorating the house and invite everyone over to celebrate as a family."
Karen Alene Herdt was born on June 20, 1945, in Oakland. Her parents, George and Patricia, raised their family in San Leandro. As a young girl, Karen moved to Castro Valley where she resided for most of her life and would become an icon in the Castro Valley community.
In 1963, she had her first child, Jennifer, followed by Eric in 1965 and Kristen in 1966. She was a single mother most of their lives and was a loving, passionate, and caring mom. She loved her kids unconditionally, as she did with most people.
In 1980 she started dating the love of her life, Fred. They wed in Hawaii in 1987. They were not only husband and wife, but soul mates. Their love was infectious.
In 2007, she was named Castro Valley’s Businessperson of the Year. She was a member of the Castro Valley Chamber of Commerce for many years and was always there to volunteer to make the community and world a better place.
In 2015, she was diagnosed with cancer. She fought hard and had been in remission for seven years. As a result, she became involved in the local chapter of Relay for Life and every year did her survival lap to honor all of the ones who survived and those who were not so fortunate.
In 2021, Karen and her husband Fred announced their retirement from Krayon's and closed its doors. Proceeds from selling the memorabilia from the final days at Krayon's went to The American Cancer Society.
Karen is survived by her husband Fred, her children, Jennifer, Eric, and Kristen, grandchildren, Nicholas, Brandon, Lindsey, Julia, Dale, great-grandson Carson, sister Linda, brother Don, as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Eden Hospital Chapter of Relay to Life, which she was passionate about. To donate, visit: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?fr_id=102474&pg=team&team_id=2616036