Karen K. Fritz graduated from Sioux Valley School of Nursing, Sioux Falls as well as earning a B. A. Degree from Sioux Falls College (now the University of Sioux Falls), an M.S. degree from the University of Minnesota, and a Doctoral Degree in Nursing Science from the University of San Diego.  

Karen taught nursing at Arizona State University, Tempe; University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and the Norfolk General/Old Dominion University Program.  

In addition, she was a neonatal nurse in the intensive-care nursery at the University of Minnesota. She held positions at Sioux Valley Hospital (now Sanford Health) and Children's Hospital in San Diego.  Most recently Karen taught psychiatric nursing for 17 years at Augustana University, including clinicals at Avera McKennan and Behavioral Health Hospitals.

Grateful for having shared her life are her two sisters; and four nieces and nephew. Karen was preceded in death by her parents.