WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Karen J. Christner, age 61, of Sturgis, passed away early Monday evening, April 24, 2023 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
She was born June 27, 1961 in Fort Wayne, daughter of the late Robert Lewis and Jane Catherine (Beers) Wetzel.
Karen resided most of her life in Sturgis and was a member of the Sturgis High School class of 1980.
In June of 1996 she married Jan Christner in Centreville.
Karen was a homemaker and baptized at the Potters House Church in Sturgis.
She was a co-founder of the Sturgis Toy Run and enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, and riding 4-wheelers.
Karen is survived by her husband: Jan; sons: Bobby (Tera) Christner of Sturgis and Scott Christner of Tennessee; grandchildren: Jonathan, Keanu, Caleb and Leah; great grandchild: Kingsley; sister: Cindy Adams of Sturgis; brother: William (Lori) Wetzel of Bronson; sister-in-law: Rhonda Wetzel of Burr Oak and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Jack Wetzel; infant brothers: Alvin and Carlos Wetzel; nephew: Kevin Keller and brother-in-law: Bruce Adams.
The family will receive friends from 5:00- to 7:00, Friday, April 28th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. In accordance with Karen’s wishes cremation will follow the visitation. Private interment of the remains will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis at a later date.
As Karen was a breast cancer survivor, the family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in her name consider Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
