Karen Lee Dretke

Karen Lee Dretke, 57, of Rathdrum, passed away on September 8th.

Karen was born on March 6, 1967, in Fontana, California, and she was the youngest of four siblings: Freddie, Kathleen, and Joe. Karen grew up in California spending time with siblings and friends while enjoying concerts, Rock N’Roll and big hair. She met her husband, Tom, in Brea, near where he was stationed in the Marine Corps. They moved to his hometown in North Idaho, where they married in 1988 and had 36 years together. 

Karen worked most of her career as a Laboratory Assistant at Kootenai Health. She enjoyed lending a helping hand, reading, classic rock, camping, boating, watching Frasier and finding new television series to tell her friends and family about. In recent years, she adored her little dog “Bebe”. Karen loved seeing her family grow, and she recently became a grandmother of two. 

Karen was preceded by her parents, Patricia and Freddie Clifton Sr., and her sister Kathleen. 

She is survived by her husband: Thomas Dretke, her children: Ian Dretke and Shea Cameron, and her grandchildren: Walker Dretke and Avery Cameron.

A special thank you to the staff members at Hospice of North Idaho and to her friends who showed such support and love to Karen and her family in her last days. 

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date at Karen’s son’s residence. 

While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering. In her final thoughts, she shared that she was not afraid of what was to come and that she’s going to a place of eternal happiness. Karen will be remembered by her outgoing personality, her tell-it-like-it-is spirit, and her unwavering generosity.