Saying “Goodbye” To Karen Zander

Sadly, the show truck community has suffered yet another devastating loss. A dear friend, one that we personally spent many hours with over the years, lost her long battle with cancer on November 10, 2015. Karen Zander was much more than a truck show competitor – she was a truly compassionate woman who cared about people. Married to Harvey Zander since November 23, 1985, they would have celebrated their 30th anniversary in just 13 days. Our hearts are heavy with grief for Harvey and their entire family as they are stricken with the weight of this enormous loss. Karen Zander was always helping others – even during her fight with cancer, she was using her talents to knit hats for those who had lost their hair after chemo treatments. She was a remarkable woman. Together, Karen and Harvey planned and built two successful show trucks – “Icy Blu” and “Icy Blu 2” – and they were a force to be reckoned with (I can tell you from firsthand experience). As competitors and friends, we became close, helping one another and giving each other encouragement and ideas when needed. Karen worked so hard on that first truck. I choose to remember Karen with that joy on her face, with her loving glances towards the husband she adored, or how she looked while talking about the family she loved so much. I have so many memories of her and Harvey – they were a team, for sure. I hope all of you will join us in saying prayers for the Zanders, as they will need strength to get through this very difficult time. Karen Zander was a wonderful wife, a mom, and a grandma that was adored. She was a cherished friend to many and a true partner to Harvey. I am sure that heaven is already making use of her many talents! Thank you Karen, for sharing a small part of your life with us. We miss you already.