Karen Lily Stockinger

Karen Lily Stockinger, 77, of Bowie, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025. Born November 24, 1947, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Jorgen and Johanna Nielsen. She made Bowie her home for more than 35 years, building a life centered on family, faith, and community.

For many years, Karen ran an in-home daycare, caring for countless children before retiring in 2012. She was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church and St. Martin’s Lutheran Church.

Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Frank; her children, Rhonda Nussbaum and her husband Mack, Troy Stockinger and his wife Anna, Tasha Coon and her husband Tom, Tiffany Beer and her husband Mark, and sister Darlene Cooley and her husband Tom. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Jack, Braxton, Lucy, Will, and Henley who she adored and spoke of often. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister RuthAnn, and her brother Ronnie.

Karen’s passions were many: the feel of soil between her fingers as she tended her flowers, creating her treasured Christmas Dickens village each year, and spending sunny days at the beach.

For those lucky enough to know her well, the playful “Toot Toot” she used to get your attention was a sound that could bring instant smiles. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Karen’s kindness, humor, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memorial donations may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Care in memory of Karen.