Karen Ann Pachal

Karen Ann Pachal, 74, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away October 22, 2025, at Temple View Transitional Care Center.

Karen was born May 10, 1951, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada to Herbert and Ella Pachal. She grew up and attended school in Stanley, North Dakota. After high school, she attended the University of North Dakota where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was an elementary school teacher before the birth of her children, at which point she chose employment that allowed her freedom to be a mother.

As a young child she developed a love for animals, specifically horses. She worked as a veterinary technician, professional ski instructor, and substitute teacher. Ultimately, she found her real joy in the horse world. She found so much enjoyment in watching her children ride and teaching others the joy of horsemanship. She was a beautiful seamstress and loved to make the girls their show clothes. As time passed, she found success as a horse trainer, was a national champion many times over within the American Quarter Horse Association and was awarded as a National Trail Rider Champion. She was truly remarkable with her horses.

Above all else, Karen had a strong faith in the Lord. She prided herself on being a faithful servant and messenger of His word. She was a member of many churches in her life, but her most favorite was the Cowboy Sanctuary Church, finding a way to combine her love for horses with this faith. She also led a bible study up until her passing and you could go to few places where someone did not know Karen.

Karen is survived by her 2 daughters, Khristen (Mark) Reese of Palmetto Bay, FL and Katherine (Kenneth) Butler of Soldotna, AK; her sister, Gayle Melberg of Richmond, VA; brother, Gary (Cathy) Pachal of Brandon, Manitoba; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Anderson, Sasha Reese, Ryleigh (Kyle) Broach, Matthew Reese, Tristan Reese, Rylee Drake, and Brayden Butler; 2 great grandchildren, Steele Reese and Charlotte Broach; and her dear friend and sister by choice, Julene (Bill) Dodd.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her aunts, Clara Weflin, Ida Weflin, and Mildred (Ralph) Hamre.

No information is available at this time for memorial services.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Karen’s name to Cowboy Sanctuary Church at 2109 Thompson Rd, Homedale, ID 83628.