Obituary
Karen Haskin

October 27, 1943 – June 14, 2025 Karen May Haskin, 81, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina at Duke University Hospice, surrounded by family. She was born on October 27, 1943 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chamberlain, South Dakota and grew up on a farm near Kimball, South Dakota, where she developed a deep appreciation for hard work and family. Karen moved to Omaha, Nebraska and acquired her diploma in nursing with a specialization in anesthesia. She became a dedicated nurse anesthetist, providing compassionate care to countless patients throughout her career, which she carried with her to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1975. In New Orleans, she spent the majority of her life, married to her husband, Jerry Richard Haskin MD, and raising their two children, Ashley and Jason. She was also a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church, living her faith through both service and compassion. She took mission trips to Nicaragua with her church to support communities in need, and she also gave generously of her time and heart to help those in her own local community. Beyond her personal and professional achievements, Karen was known for her love of tennis and her enthusiasm for watching sports of all kinds. She especially enjoyed watching her New Orleans Saints. She cherished time spent with family and friends, finding joy in the simple pleasures in life. Karen is survived by her children, Jason Haskin (Zara Stepanyan) and Ashley Haskin Cho (Tara Cho); her grandchildren, Scarlett Haskin, Elliott Cho, and Whitt Cho; her stepchildren, Barbara Haskin and Daniel Haskin; her siblings, Norm Konechne (Sandee Konechne), Anne Konechne Richards (Dennis Richards); Leonard Konechne (Linda Konechne); and Chuck Konechne (Susan Konechne); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellen and Charles Konechne; her husband, Jerry Richard Haskin; and her siblings, Raymond Konechne, Marge Konechne Todd, and Mary Konechne Calvin. In accordance with her wishes, Karen was cremated at City of Oaks Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held in Kimball, South Dakota, during the annual family hunting gathering, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband, parents, and siblings. She shared a close bond with her brothers and sisters, and one of her greatest joys was visiting the family farm each October for pheasant hunting season – a cherished tradition where she also often celebrated her birthday, including her 80th birthday. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Archdiocese of New Orleans.