BOMBER MEMORIAL

KAREN ELIZABETH SCHILDKNECHT MATEO ~ Class of 1967
December 8, 1948 - August 16, 2005

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Karen Schildknecht Mateo passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2005, at Kadlec Hosptial after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family, most importantly her husband, Pete, who was the love of her life.

Born in Richland on December 8, 1948, to Bill and Betty Schildknecht, Karen was a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities. She attended Spalding Elementary, Carmichael Junior High School and graduated with the Class of 1967 from Columbia High School (aka Richland High School).

Karen loved the ocean. She and Pete spent many happy hours strolling along the beaches of Oregon. She cherished her many nieces and nephews as if they were her own children, and she had a big impact on their lives. Karen was patriotic, a lover of animals and spent many hours crafting treasures for friends and family. No matter how she felt, her main concern was always for others. She faced adversity with great humor.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bill Schildknecht.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Pete; mother, Betty Schildknecht; siblings: Jim Schildknecht ('66), his wife, Jan, their children: Dana, Taylor and Rachel; Tom Schildknecht ('70), his wife, Robin ('74), their children: Angel, Brandy and Cortnee; Nancy Schildknecht Pickett ('71), her husband, Tom, their children: Nolan and Mariah; Lynn Schildknecht Ibatuan ('74), her husband, Mark Ibatuan ('74), their children: Aariann and Blair; Leslie Schildknecht Dodd ('79), her husband, Ryan Dodd ('84), their children: Cameron, Whitney and Makenzie Cross and Justin Dodd; Kathleen Schildknecht Smith ('83), her husband, Kevin, and child, Rylee; along with her friend, Tammy Chappelle Tayamen ('83), her husband, Steve, and their children. She is also survived by her in-laws, John and Laura Mateo; brothers-in-law: Paul Mateo and wife, Lorene; Mark Mateo and wife, Claudia; Christopher Mateo and wife, Teresa, and their son, Peter; and sister-in-law, Ann Mateo. She will also be missed by her great-nieces and great-nephews: Casey, Alex, Adriann, Keaton, Kailey and Cooper. She leaves behind her beloved Corky and Zuent.

Karen had an unstoppable spirit and sense of humor that were undaunted by years of illness. She could always find something to say to brighten the darkest moment. She left this world too soon and will be sorely missed.

A memorial service was held at 1PM on Saturday, August 20, 2005, in the chapel at Einan’s Funeral Home, Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to HAPO Community Credit Union for benefit of Pete Mateo to defray medical and funeral expenses.

Express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book.



NOTE: Her mother, Betty, passed away March 6, 2017.

Her brother-in-law, Mark ('74), passed away October 23, 2020.

Her brother, Jim ('66), passed away August 14, 2022.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).