WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Karen Maslanka, age 69, of Three Rivers, died on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Karen was born August 14, 1951 in Detroit, the daughter of Roland and Velma (Greczi) Nickert. A social butterfly by nature, Karen loved nothing more than being around people and sharing stories. Her faith was central in her life and she made many close friends through her church. Mother to three boys, Karen had her hands full keeping them in line, but she truly enjoyed being a parent and all that came with. Giving them the tools to be successful in life was her goal, and she’s incredibly proud of the men they’ve grown to be. Her grandchildren have been the jewel of her eye. She enjoyed baking with them and making sticker books together. Raking leaves the old fashion way, long walks down the country road, and cooking to feed any hungry visitor were just some of the ways Karen showed her zest for life.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond. Surviving are her children: Scott (Amy) Maslanka, Douglas Maslanka, and Daniel Maslanka; grandchildren: Ryan, Emily, and Forest; and her brother: Kenneth Nickert.
Cremation has taken place. Services will be at 3PM Friday (April 16) at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. A reception with food and beverages will follow in the Life Story Center. Visit Karen’s personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may read her Life Story, archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Parkinson’s Foundation.
