Karen Jean (Plueddemann) Horsey, 82, after enduring a long journey with cancer, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, August 24, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Family was by her side praying over her, holding her hand, and singing her favorite hymns. Her late husband of 51 years, the love of her life, David Horsey, was undoubtedly the first to hug her when she entered heaven’s gates. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Margo (Jim) Kragh, Melinda Horsey, and Jonathan (Shalimar) Horsey; her grandchildren, Matthew and Julia; extended family; and countless friends around the world whose lives were touched by her kindness, hospitality, wisdom, encouragement, prayers, quiet acts of compassion, joyful spirit, and steadfast faith.

Karen was Born in Rahway, New Jersey, to parents Edwin and Mary Margaret Plueddemann. She and her siblings, James Plueddemann, Margo Dubach, and Beth Wolf were raised in a Christian home where Scripture and prayer were woven into everyday life. Karen came to understand the Gospel through her mother’s Good News Club ministry and personally placed her faith in Jesus Christ at a young age. From that early beginning grew a lifelong love for God and His Word.

Karen and Dave met and fell in love at Taylor University. Upon graduating, Dave was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps as an officer, and Karen became an elementary school teacher. After 13 months in Vietnam, Dave returned and married his beautiful bride on June 10, 1967. They started a family and joined staff with Cru, then known as Campus Crusade for Christ. For 51 years they shared a life devoted to family, ministry, and serving the Lord together.

Their life-verse was Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” They modeled this well as they trusted God and followed His call - from Sherman, TX to San Bernardino, CA, then to Kenya, Germany, New York City, Orlando, and beyond. They shared the Gospel, led people to the Lord, discipled new believers, mentored, came alongside international and U.S. ministry leaders, served in the areas of administration, operations, and hospitality, and were faithful prayer warriors.

Karen lovingly raised their three children while faithfully supporting Dave as he traveled the world for ministry, making their home and family life an integral part of their service together. Karen taught the fundamentals of Christian living to rural schools in Kenya, shared these concepts with Ugandan refugee women, and led bible studies for expatriate missionary women, and young girls from different cultural and religious backgrounds. She opened her home to refugees, single mothers, and orphans, providing shelter, clothing, an education, and jobs during their time of distress. In Germany she led bible studies with local women and used her gift of hospitality to welcome dorm students into her home while their parents served as missionaries in other countries. In New York City she and Dave helped establish a Christian college and in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, they helped bring the hope of Jesus to a hurting community. Karen bought all the red carnations she could find, attached a note, “To those who grieve,” with Psalms 23 printed out, then gave them to those grieving near Ground Zero. In Orlando Karen served at Cru’s international headquarters, supporting directors and their wives in their ministries around the world. She enjoyed leading a Bible study in her home with Korean women from the community and used the Bible to teach them English.

Karen’s greatest gift was making every person she met feel deeply seen, loved, and valued. Whether she was teaching children, leading a Bible study, welcoming international guests into her home, providing shelter for refugees, supporting ministry leaders and their wives, or sharing coffee with a friend, she had a tender way of investing in one person at a time.

Karen was a disciplined and in-depth studier of God’s Word – journaling daily, researching topics, comparing translations, and reading through the Bible over 40 times. She turned these studies into what became her trademark, Karen’s Kreations - beautifully handcrafted, Scripture-filled note cards and frameable prints. She sent these cards to thousands of people around the world, encouraging them with Scripture and God’s promises, asking how she could pray for them, and with each card was a handwritten personal note of gratitude.

Karen’s legacy will live on for generations in the countless lives she touched. She was just five months away from celebrating her 55th anniversary with Cru. She believed that as long as she had breath, God could still use her, and He did – until the very end. She fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she remained faithful…Through it all, she kept believing. And now she has received the prize she had waited for—the crown of righteousness… given by the Lord, the righteous Judge…to all who eagerly look forward to his appearing (2 Tim. 4:7-8, paraphrased).

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at Orlando Grace Church (827 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701) on Friday, September 18th at 2p.m. EST. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be livestreamed: www.youtube.com/@OGC-AV, and will also be recorded.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Karen’s honor to www.give.cru.org/0022534. Memorials will go towards helping seasoned U.S. Cru staff members and their families who have been serving overseas for at least five years and who are facing challenges in meeting their financial support goals.

“Only one life, twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” –– C.T. Studd