Karen Kay Harvey, 56, fought a hard battle with pancreatic cancer and passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, March 5, 2023.
Born on January 11, 1967, in Plymouth, Indiana, she was the daughter of James Klingerman Sr. and Cora May (Morris) Kruzick. She attended Plymouth High School graduating with the class of 1985. Karen also majored in commercial photography and received her associates degree from Ivy Tech Community College while working full-time and having two small children.
Known as a head-strong, hard working woman Karen owned and operated Taxi Express for 17 years in Plymouth before retiring in 2017. She was also co-owner of Harvey Roofing until 2008. Helping others was her passion. Karen often opened her home to those who needed some help getting back on their feet, and was always willing to put on a pot of coffee and offer a listening ear. Karen never considered anyone a stranger and would have had a heartfelt conversation with anyone she came across. She instilled in her daughters from a young age, to always expect company and keep a clean house. Country music could always be heard playing loudly from her house, which her daughters continue to do today. She believed that there was nothing more important than family, spending as much time as possible with her beloved grandchildren these last few years.
Karen was previously a board member for Habitat for Humanity and a past member of the Marshall County Rotary Club.
From her union of marriage to Michael Boyle and then to Jim Harvey, came four wonderful daughters: Andrea (Justin Turnage) Sauer, Veronica (Matthew) Petersen, Shalea Harvey, and Emily Harvey. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Aiden Sauer, Oliver Hartman, Luke Petersen, Kensley Petersen; siblings: Tammy Baca, twin sister Sharon (Mike) Grigsby, Beth (Phil) Leonard, and James (Jennifer) Klingerman Jr.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents James Klingerman Sr. and Cora Kruzick.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 2 pm (EST) at the Webster Center, 110 Webster Ave. Plymouth, IN 46563.
Special thanks to Dunes Hospice based in Valparaiso who provided prompt, courteous care and support in Karen’s final days. www.duneshospicellc.com.
Rodney Hostetler says
So so sad RIP flying high with angels
Dawn siddall says
So very sorry for your loss
Sim & Marcy Caron says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow. May God bless you with all the mini fond memories that you were able to share with her. She was a wonderful person inside and out.
Marcia Firestone says
You will be deeply missed. RIP Karen until the next time we meet.
Samantha Black says
My thoughts and prayers go to her family. She was so loving and caring. I will miss her smile. She had the brightest biggest smile whenever we got together. Karen was wonderful to my kids and treated them as family. I’m grateful for the 5 years we got to have her in our lives.
Betty Barnett says
Sending prayers to the family.Fly high.
Sandra Schultz says
I’m so sorry to learn of Karen’s illness and passing. The Klingerman family lived behind us in the 70s after my sons and I moved to the neighborhood so knew of her at a younger age. I’m happy to know she’s had a family of her own, as that means so much. My prayers are with each one of you during this difficult time and I know many say this, but it’s true- cling to all those memories each of you has of Karen, as they are helpful. Blessings to you all.
Sandy (Crump) Schultz
Toni Foote says
I will always hold dear the fond memories of my sweet friend. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. May you find peace and comfort in your precious memories.
Kind regards,
Rick & Toni Foote
david crisp says
i knew karen for years a nice and cheerful woman i will miss her smile god rest my friend…
Lori White says
So very sorry she was such a classy lady, her and Sharon did my baby shower when I was pregnant for my son Zach it was so much fun and a perfect day fly high young lady
Kerry Doll says
My dearest condolences to the family.. RIP sweet lady💕
Lisa Schott says
I’m saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. She will be so missed. Sending Prayers for the family.
Betty Barnett says
Sending prayers
Melissa Christiansen says
Thinking of you all during this sad time. She was beautiful and courageous.
STEPHANIE BOOMERSHINE says
Our condolences to the family.
chris felke says
Karen was a neighbor growing up, and classmate in school. What a great, can-do attitude she always had, and was always friendly with everyone. May she rest in Gods arms now.
Christina Hunter says
So sorry for the loss of a great human she will be deeply missed, fly high Karen you are no longer in pain and are created with open arms in heaven!!🙏🏼❤️
Dan Milner says
Karen had a good heart and a good attitude. Have peace, family. In your many memories
Dale & Patricia Leech says
Sharon, we are so very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing, gone to soon. We remember the 50th birthday blast for you two! After reading her obituary I realized I knew your mother thru my mother. I will explain this when I see you again.
Ellen Staton says
Didn’t know Karen real well, but was a very friendly, kind person. Condolences to your family. 😇😥
Randy Johnson says
My Condolences to the family. So sorry to hear this .
Barb Klapp says
Another Kenwood Avenue neighbor. My sympathies to all her siblings, who I fondly remember growing up, and to her Children, Grandchildren, and those who loved her. Memories are priceless.
Tracy Campbell says
Thinking of you so sad gonna miss you! Prayers to the family!