Karen Kay Willett of 57 E. Le Grande went to be with the Lord February 7, 2016. She was born October 16, 1950 in Burke, South Dakota to Harold and Ruth (Rueb) Wetzler, the eldest of three children followed by 2 brothers, Garry and Mark.
Karen grew up in Herrick, SD where she attended Herrick Public School for 8 years, then graduated from Gregory High School in 1968. Karen enjoyed 4-H, music, learning to play the piano, saxophone, and singing in the choir. After graduation, she continued her education at National College of Business in Rapid City and worked a short time in Rapid City until she took a job at Gates Rubber Company in Denver, CO.
It was in Denver where Karen met the love of her life, Walt Willett of Flint, MI. and on October 16, 1971, Karen & Walt were married at the Assembly of God Church in Gregory, SD. They were blessed with a son, Joshua Daniel "JD" born Feb. 28, 1986. JD married Beth Emelander Willett and they have two daughters, Aubrey Kaye, 2 years and Erin Bailey, 6 months.
Karen gave her heart to Christ as a child and in her youth committed her life to Christian service. She taught small children, helped with music ministry, taught youth, and worked with the women's fellowship which ranged from inner city and rural ministries to serving with Walt as missionaries in Liberia. Together they ministered for 44 years in a variety of ministries. Her first priority was always her family. She was a devoted wife, wonderful mother and grandmother who cared for her family in many ways.
Karen was a talented crafter making jewelry, baskets, candies, cakes, greeting cards, scrap books and many other crafts. She enjoyed taking craft classes and teaching crafts. She used her crafts to show God's love to others and encourage other patients with cancer.
August 27, 2008, Karen was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Since then, she has been involved in Ovar' Coming Together, a support group for ovarian cancer survivors. She has volunteered with them in many different capacities including co-chairing the Walk Run. In 2010, she was the poster woman for Ovarian Cancer during the September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. She was involved in the Lunch Bunch which consisted of cancer survivors. Ovar'Coming Together provided her with encouragement, support, and an opportunity to help others.
Karen deeply appreciated Dr. Michael Callahan of St. Vincent Gynecologic Oncology, his staff, and other doctors who assisted with aspects of her disease in the Saint Vincent network, like Dr. Colleen Brown, a comfort care specialist, and Dr. Aaron Ludwig, of Urology of Indiana. She also appreciated the Saint Vincent outpatient chemo unit nurses, as well as the other 6th floor cancer care nurses.
Karen is survived by her husband Walt of 44 years; their son, JD, his wife Beth; and granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey; two brothers, Garry (wife, Sandy Wetzler) of Burke, SD and Mark (wife, Debra Wetzler) of Isle, MN; Sister-in-Law Judy Bray, of Sterling, VA, Marilyn Heavilin and husband Glen of Overland Park KS outside of Kansas City, 7 nieces, 5 nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her grandparents Rudolph and Lydia (Layh) Wetzler, Christian and Anna (Schettler) Rueb, parents Harold and Ruth (Rueb) Wetzler, father-in-law Mel Willett, mother-in-law Bertha (Davis) Willett and Brother in Law, Stephen Warner.
The services were held Saturday Feb. 13th at 11:00 a.m. Karen was buried at Concordia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Indiana PO Box 625 West Field Indiana, 46074 or Ovar' Coming Together 2625 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
Karen grew up in Herrick, SD where she attended Herrick Public School for 8 years, then graduated from Gregory High School in 1968. Karen enjoyed 4-H, music, learning to play the piano, saxophone, and singing in the choir. After graduation, she continued her education at National College of Business in Rapid City and worked a short time in Rapid City until she took a job at Gates Rubber Company in Denver, CO.
It was in Denver where Karen met the love of her life, Walt Willett of Flint, MI. and on October 16, 1971, Karen & Walt were married at the Assembly of God Church in Gregory, SD. They were blessed with a son, Joshua Daniel "JD" born Feb. 28, 1986. JD married Beth Emelander Willett and they have two daughters, Aubrey Kaye, 2 years and Erin Bailey, 6 months.
Karen gave her heart to Christ as a child and in her youth committed her life to Christian service. She taught small children, helped with music ministry, taught youth, and worked with the women's fellowship which ranged from inner city and rural ministries to serving with Walt as missionaries in Liberia. Together they ministered for 44 years in a variety of ministries. Her first priority was always her family. She was a devoted wife, wonderful mother and grandmother who cared for her family in many ways.
Karen was a talented crafter making jewelry, baskets, candies, cakes, greeting cards, scrap books and many other crafts. She enjoyed taking craft classes and teaching crafts. She used her crafts to show God's love to others and encourage other patients with cancer.
August 27, 2008, Karen was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Since then, she has been involved in Ovar' Coming Together, a support group for ovarian cancer survivors. She has volunteered with them in many different capacities including co-chairing the Walk Run. In 2010, she was the poster woman for Ovarian Cancer during the September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. She was involved in the Lunch Bunch which consisted of cancer survivors. Ovar'Coming Together provided her with encouragement, support, and an opportunity to help others.
Karen deeply appreciated Dr. Michael Callahan of St. Vincent Gynecologic Oncology, his staff, and other doctors who assisted with aspects of her disease in the Saint Vincent network, like Dr. Colleen Brown, a comfort care specialist, and Dr. Aaron Ludwig, of Urology of Indiana. She also appreciated the Saint Vincent outpatient chemo unit nurses, as well as the other 6th floor cancer care nurses.
Karen is survived by her husband Walt of 44 years; their son, JD, his wife Beth; and granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey; two brothers, Garry (wife, Sandy Wetzler) of Burke, SD and Mark (wife, Debra Wetzler) of Isle, MN; Sister-in-Law Judy Bray, of Sterling, VA, Marilyn Heavilin and husband Glen of Overland Park KS outside of Kansas City, 7 nieces, 5 nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her grandparents Rudolph and Lydia (Layh) Wetzler, Christian and Anna (Schettler) Rueb, parents Harold and Ruth (Rueb) Wetzler, father-in-law Mel Willett, mother-in-law Bertha (Davis) Willett and Brother in Law, Stephen Warner.
The services were held Saturday Feb. 13th at 11:00 a.m. Karen was buried at Concordia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Indiana PO Box 625 West Field Indiana, 46074 or Ovar' Coming Together 2625 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
Karen Kay Willett of 57 E. Le Grande went to be with the Lord February 7, 2016. She was born October 16, 1950 in Burke, South Dakota to Harold and Ruth (Rueb) Wetzler, the eldest of three children followed by 2 brothers, Garry and Mark.
Karen grew up in Herrick, SD where she attended Herrick Public School for 8 years, then graduated from Gregory High School in 1968. Karen enjoyed 4-H, music, learning to play the piano, saxophone, and singing in the choir. After graduation, she continued her education at National College of Business in Rapid City and worked a short time in Rapid City until she took a job at Gates Rubber Company in Denver, CO.
It was in Denver where Karen met the love of her life, Walt Willett of Flint, MI. and on October 16, 1971, Karen & Walt were married at the Assembly of God Church in Gregory, SD. They were blessed with a son, Joshua Daniel "JD" born Feb. 28, 1986. JD married Beth Emelander Willett and they have two daughters, Aubrey Kaye, 2 years and Erin Bailey, 6 months.
Karen gave her heart to Christ as a child and in her youth committed her life to Christian service. She taught small children, helped with music ministry, taught youth, and worked with the women's fellowship which ranged from inner city and rural ministries to serving with Walt as missionaries in Liberia. Together they ministered for 44 years in a variety of ministries. Her first priority was always her family. She was a devoted wife, wonderful mother and grandmother who cared for her family in many ways.
Karen was a talented crafter making jewelry, baskets, candies, cakes, greeting cards, scrap books and many other crafts. She enjoyed taking craft classes and teaching crafts. She used her crafts to show God's love to others and encourage other patients with cancer.
August 27, 2008, Karen was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Since then, she has been involved in Ovar' Coming Together, a support group for ovarian cancer survivors. She has volunteered with them in many different capacities including co-chairing the Walk Run. In 2010, she was the poster woman for Ovarian Cancer during the September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. She was involved in the Lunch Bunch which consisted of cancer survivors. Ovar'Coming Together provided her with encouragement, support, and an opportunity to help others.
Karen deeply appreciated Dr. Michael Callahan of St. Vincent Gynecologic Oncology, his staff, and other doctors who assisted with aspects of her disease in the Saint Vincent network, like Dr. Colleen Brown, a comfort care specialist, and Dr. Aaron Ludwig, of Urology of Indiana. She also appreciated the Saint Vincent outpatient chemo unit nurses, as well as the other 6th floor cancer care nurses.
Karen is survived by her husband Walt of 44 years; their son, JD, his wife Beth; and granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey; two brothers, Garry (wife, Sandy Wetzler) of Burke, SD and Mark (wife, Debra Wetzler) of Isle, MN; Sister-in-Law Judy Bray, of Sterling, VA, Marilyn Heavilin and husband Glen of Overland Park KS outside of Kansas City, 7 nieces, 5 nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her grandparents Rudolph and Lydia (Layh) Wetzler, Christian and Anna (Schettler) Rueb, parents Harold and Ruth (Rueb) Wetzler, father-in-law Mel Willett, mother-in-law Bertha (Davis) Willett and Brother in Law, Stephen Warner.
The services were held Saturday Feb. 13th at 11:00 a.m. Karen was buried at Concordia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Indiana PO Box 625 West Field Indiana, 46074 or Ovar' Coming Together 2625 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
Karen grew up in Herrick, SD where she attended Herrick Public School for 8 years, then graduated from Gregory High School in 1968. Karen enjoyed 4-H, music, learning to play the piano, saxophone, and singing in the choir. After graduation, she continued her education at National College of Business in Rapid City and worked a short time in Rapid City until she took a job at Gates Rubber Company in Denver, CO.
It was in Denver where Karen met the love of her life, Walt Willett of Flint, MI. and on October 16, 1971, Karen & Walt were married at the Assembly of God Church in Gregory, SD. They were blessed with a son, Joshua Daniel "JD" born Feb. 28, 1986. JD married Beth Emelander Willett and they have two daughters, Aubrey Kaye, 2 years and Erin Bailey, 6 months.
Karen gave her heart to Christ as a child and in her youth committed her life to Christian service. She taught small children, helped with music ministry, taught youth, and worked with the women's fellowship which ranged from inner city and rural ministries to serving with Walt as missionaries in Liberia. Together they ministered for 44 years in a variety of ministries. Her first priority was always her family. She was a devoted wife, wonderful mother and grandmother who cared for her family in many ways.
Karen was a talented crafter making jewelry, baskets, candies, cakes, greeting cards, scrap books and many other crafts. She enjoyed taking craft classes and teaching crafts. She used her crafts to show God's love to others and encourage other patients with cancer.
August 27, 2008, Karen was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Since then, she has been involved in Ovar' Coming Together, a support group for ovarian cancer survivors. She has volunteered with them in many different capacities including co-chairing the Walk Run. In 2010, she was the poster woman for Ovarian Cancer during the September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. She was involved in the Lunch Bunch which consisted of cancer survivors. Ovar'Coming Together provided her with encouragement, support, and an opportunity to help others.
Karen deeply appreciated Dr. Michael Callahan of St. Vincent Gynecologic Oncology, his staff, and other doctors who assisted with aspects of her disease in the Saint Vincent network, like Dr. Colleen Brown, a comfort care specialist, and Dr. Aaron Ludwig, of Urology of Indiana. She also appreciated the Saint Vincent outpatient chemo unit nurses, as well as the other 6th floor cancer care nurses.
Karen is survived by her husband Walt of 44 years; their son, JD, his wife Beth; and granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey; two brothers, Garry (wife, Sandy Wetzler) of Burke, SD and Mark (wife, Debra Wetzler) of Isle, MN; Sister-in-Law Judy Bray, of Sterling, VA, Marilyn Heavilin and husband Glen of Overland Park KS outside of Kansas City, 7 nieces, 5 nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her grandparents Rudolph and Lydia (Layh) Wetzler, Christian and Anna (Schettler) Rueb, parents Harold and Ruth (Rueb) Wetzler, father-in-law Mel Willett, mother-in-law Bertha (Davis) Willett and Brother in Law, Stephen Warner.
The services were held Saturday Feb. 13th at 11:00 a.m. Karen was buried at Concordia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Indiana PO Box 625 West Field Indiana, 46074 or Ovar' Coming Together 2625 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
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