Karen L. Wilhelm

Karen Lea Wilhelm, age 81, of Ashley, IN, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025. She was born October 28, 1943, in Kendallville, at McCray Hospital to the late Dale and Eleanor Wilhelm. Karen was a loving and caring person who adored her family, especially her nieces and nephews whom she treated as her own children. She had a special love for her fur babies and enjoyed collecting Hallmark ornaments, as well as items related to her favorite movies and TV shows.

Karen graduated from Ashley High School in 1961 and went on to attend Ball State’s Teacher College, graduating in 1966. She dedicated 39 years of her life to working at Prairie Hights and DeKalb Central Schools, where she made a lasting impact on the lives of many students.

In her free time, Karen enjoyed watching Western shows on TV and collecting memorabilia related to Wizard of Oz, John Wayne, Garfield, and Star Trek.  She had a passion for life and always found joy in the simple things.

Karen is survived by her sister, Judith Ann Pollack (Bill), aunt; Marge Wilhelm, nephews Matt Pollack and Chris Pollack (Joellen), nieces; Michelle Harmon (Clifford) and Susan Shepherd (Justin Sr.), great-nieces; Noelle Shepherd and Sarah Horstman (Alex), great-nephews; Aaron Pollack, Danny Harper, Justin Shepherd Jr., Lucas Shepherd, Mitchell Pollack, Noah Pollack (Emily), and Zachary Pollack, as well as a host of other family members and friends.

  Private family services will be held.  Charity donations accepted for the Community Humane Shelter of Steuben County. Karen will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Burial will be held in Fairfield Cemetery, rural Corunna. Arrangements by Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn.

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