Karen A. Keleher, 71, passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend.
Born on June 28, 1950, in Mishawaka, Indiana to Loren and Ilean (Jones) Schultz.
She graduated Plymouth High School graduating class of 1968.
In 1989 she met John Keleher in Michigan City, IN. On February 14, 1992, they were married in Sevierville Tennessee. Her husband would tell you that he would not be the man that he is today without her and which she made him a better man.
Karen was a loving Mother who was proud of her son whom, among many of her better traits, passed on to him her unique sense of humor.
Through the years Karen had many different occupations. Such as in 1968, she was an emergency room nurse at the former Murphy Medical Center in Warsaw, IN. From that time, she proudly shared how she would ride a motorcycle from Plymouth to Warsaw. Other occupations through years include a journalist, a dispatcher with the Marshall County Sherriff’s department, an insurance agent, a manager of a law office in Tennessee, and retiring as a real estate agent.
Karen was exceptionally smart; she was a seeker of new knowledge on any number of topics, many of which she enjoyed were history and genealogy. An adventurous person, she would tell the tales about when in the early 80’s she would often comprise the era’s Rock and Roll performers, meeting members of groups such as Loverboy, Rick Springfield, Journey, Kiss and Styx.
She was known as caring and giving, always tithing beyond, to the Faith Mission in Elkhart, IN, Hope Ministries of South Bend, Joseph Prince Ministries, Joyce Meyer Ministries and Kenneth Copeland Ministries.
Karen is survived by her husband John of Granger; son Adam (Lori) Dombkowski of Wellington, FL; brothers: Dennis (Roberta) Schultz of Plymouth; Michael (Sheila) Schultz of Maryville, TN; grandchildren: Elizabeth, Kaitlin, and Olivia as well as several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Loren and Ilean.
Visitation will be on Thursday, October 14, 2021, from 4-6 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will be immediately follow with Life Celebrant James Smart Officiating.
A graveside service will take place on Friday, October 15, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Salem Cemetery, Wilmot, IN.
In lieu of flowers a bouquet of balloons may be sent in keeping with Karen’s wishes that this time be a celebration of her life and not of sorrow; or Memorial contributions may be made on Karen’s behalf to the Faith Mission of Michiana, 801 Benham Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516 or to Hope Ministries, 432 S Lafayette Blvd. South Bend, IN 46601.
Cathy Criswell says
So sad to hear of Karen’s passing. Prayers to her family.
Jan Boos Bean says
Sympathies to Karen’s loved ones. I know she has had an extremely rough year with her health and saddened with her passing. When I first met Karen at Plymouth High School I loved her sense of humor and kind heart. Thinking of each of you at this time.
Class of 68
Jim Drubert says
Karen and I were classmates in high school. We were assigned to a project for journalism class. We were to interview some police officers in South Bend. Then we met with a police reporter for the South Bend Tribune. Articles were written up and critiqued by a police officer and the reporter. Obviously Karen’s article was better as she later worked as a journalist and with the police. She had a life well lived and it ended too soon. My condolences to Karen’s family.
Linda L Betzer says
Karen was my best friend. We always had such a great time when we got together. I will miss her always. Prayers to you John and Adam.
Kathy Worman Titus says
Dennis and Rob, I was sad to read of Karen’s passing. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.
Chiara Irvin says
We are so sorry for the loss of our beautiful friend, Karen. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will hold on to the wonderful memories we had spending time together. Karen will be greatly missed. She was always such a positive light that brought joy to my heart!!! God bless her beautiful soul.
Chiara and Chuck
Linda Airgood Neal says
I came to Karen’s name this afternoon (Dec 7th) to send her my Christmas letter. I thought I’d first check Facebook to see if I’ve missed something since I last commented on her Sept. 17th post about all her health issues. So, this is a shock to find out she passed on just 3 weeks later. We had a tentative plan to meet at Webster Lake next summer, ride the Dixie boat and talk for hours about our Miller ancestors who lived on the lake where Karen’s parents later had a cottage. I never got to meet Karen in person but I met and interviewed her parents. I always wanted to see her home and yard that she loved so much and spend a day going through the old family pictures with her. I think I first reached out to Karen because of her Aunt Wava. Wava fascinated me because I have a picture of my father with Wava when they were children and I wanted to know more. Karen was a great help and we shared information for years. I am so sorry. My condolences to John and Adam.