Karla Ann Kelsch (52), of Colorado Springs, Colorado, beloved Mother, Wife, master of many skills, and always in pursuit of knowledge, returned to our Heavenly Father on August 24, 2025, after battling cancer for two years.
Karla was born on June 11, 1973, to Thomas Milward Wasden and Patricia Adams Wasden. On December 20, 1997, she was married to Karl Edward Kelsch in Manti, Utah.
Karla attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Math Education in 1997. Karla exemplified dedication to bringing up a righteous generation. Karla was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Karla served in many callings in the church. She served as a missionary in Montreal, Canada, speaking French from 1994 to 1996. One of her favorite callings was playing the organ. She also served many years in Primary and the Young Women’s organization.
Karla knew at a young age that following rules was a blessing and that understanding what is true takes some study and research. Karla was a researcher. No matter the subject, Karla did her research. In a world full of confusing information, Karla could decipher fact from fiction. The scope and scale of Karla’s research was unprecedented. It covered everything from the best school district in town to finding a good car mechanic to the ins and outs of couponing and travel hacking. If Karla’s friends had problems they were struggling to research, Karla was the first person they would reach out to for help.
One of Karla’s passions was travel. She had detailed itineraries for every family vacation. Karla took her family all over the place. Some of her favorite trips were the Midwest road trip to Nauvoo, Disney cruises to the Caribbean, London, the Outer Banks, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, and Vienna. These trips were priceless opportunities for family bonding and lasting memories.
Motherhood was so important to Karla. She wanted the best for her four children. She used her research skills to help them plan their academic careers, find healthcare professionals to suit their needs, pack for missions, and so much more. She did her best to attend every dance recital, band concert, sporting event, and awards ceremony. Her children knew she was their biggest cheerleader. Karla more than magnified her calling as a mother.
Karla is survived by her loving husband, Karl Edward Kelsch; her children: Karlie Tate Kelsch, Kara Ann Kelsch, Katrina Bailey Kelsch, and Kameron Edward Kelsch; her mother, Patricia Wasden; and her siblings: Karen Messenger, Mark Wasden, Kaylene Moore, and Kristi Corbin. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Milward Wasden.
The funeral service remembering Karla’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 30, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 8710 Lexington Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.