Karen Larue Danhof

Karen Larue (Radel) Danhof passed from this world into the garden and arms of her Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 22, 2024. Karen was born November 30, 1954, in Altoona, PA, to Hank and Helen Radel who predeceased her. Karen was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in March of 2015 and was a miracle to have withstood this disease since that time. She had undergone a liver and colon resection in 2015 and 2016, and the disease then metastasized to her lungs in 2017.

She will be deeply missed by her loving and caring husband Tom of 48 years and her caring family in Altoona, PA: her brother Nelson and “Sister” in-law Sharon; her nephew Nelson and his wife, Lisa, along with her precious daughter Paige. Karen will also be missed by her many friends and her best friend Beverly “Bevie” Harlan Bacon of 35 years. We find solace knowing Karen is reunited with her loving parents as well as her sweet rescue fur babies that she has loved throughout her life: Bub, Lizzie, Hank, Lucky and Master, along with the many other creatures she befriended.

Karen called herself a late bloomer because she received her B.S. degree in 2000 from John Brown University and her MBA in 2003 from Webster University. It was these academic achievements that led her to a very successful career as Regional Foodservice Sales Manager at Land O’ Lakes (2000-mid 2006) and Dole Packaged Foods (2006 until her medical leave in March 2017) respectively. Prior to Land O’Lakes and Dole, Karen’s career was with Riceland Foods, Inc., for 13 years.

Karen’s journey through cancer allowed her a new opportunity whereby she could help others going through their own cancer journey. She started the CARTI Saline County Fundraising Campaign to get heated infusion seats for patients undergoing chemotherapy; she called it “Heat the Seats”. This fundraiser was a catalyst for CARTI to get heated seats throughout their footprint; an accomplishment of which Karen was very proud. Karen also served as a Volunteer at CARTI Little Rock in the Infusion Center and in the resource & Appearance Center where she found much joy in being able to help and inspire others. Karen also served on the CARTI Program she called H.O.P.E. (Help One Person’s Experience). She would say there was a reason for this whole cancer journey.

Kren also volunteered at the Arkansas Food Bank and was a founding Board member in the 1980’s serving as Secretary-Treasurer.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the caring staff of CARTI’s angels, Pastor Larry, and CARTI Doctors Harrington, Hardee, St. Amour, Groce; Mayo Clinic; Dr. Vauthay at M.D. Anderson; Dr. Lance Burns CHI, and especially to her Dole family and all friends who continued to uplift her. Through it all, Karen never gave up on her strong faith and trust in the Lord. This is what carried her through to the end.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials be made to the Arkansas Food Bank, CARTI, or Benton Animal Control. At the request of the deceased, no service will be held and her remains will be cremated and spread in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Karen’s favorite scripture was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13).

Summary Footnote: This is my story: A life that has exceeded any expectations I ever had. The end here but looking forward to my heavenly adventure.