WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Karen Ann Rowe, age 76, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away early Friday morning, Nov. 18, 2011, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich.
She was born July 5, 1935, in Sturgis, a daughter to the late Julius C. “Judy” and Evelyn F. (Free) Mecklenburg.
Karen was a lifelong resident of Sturgis and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1953.
She was once married to David Rowe.
Karen retired from the Kirsch Company in Sturgis in 1998 following 45 years of dedicated employment in the offices.
In April of 1947 she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis where she was always very active. Some of her involvements in her church included being an Elder and a Deacon, Sunday School teacher for over 30 years, Stephens Ministry and was named the church Woman of the Year and volunteered with the Adopt-a-Highway program. Karen was also involved in Girl Scouts of America for 70 years and had served as the St. Joseph County Girl Scouts treasurer for nearly 50 years. She was also a member of the Breast Cancer Survivor Sisterhood. Karen had many involvements and activities but what made her the happiest was time spent with her grandchildren that she so dearly loved.
She is survived by one son, Roland (Lori) Rowe of Sturgis; one daughter, Kimberly (Mark) Larimer of Sturgis; eight grandchildren, Jeremy (Tera) Rowe, Alexis (Carl) Flowers, Andrea Rowe, Jake Rowe, Josh (Angela) Larimer, Merriah (Steve) Moore, Ashley (Darren) McKnight and Abi Larimer; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Diane Mecklenburg of Sturgis; one brother, Gary (Erma) Mecklenburg of Sturgis; and nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, 1320 S. Lakeview Ave. in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Karen Ann Rowe will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. The Rev. Michael Wicks will officiate. Cremation will follow the services. Private burial of the ashes will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis at a later date.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Karen’s memory consider the First Presbyterian Church, 1320 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or the charity of one’s choice.
