Karen A. Herkimer

Karen A. Herkimer, 71 years, of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at the University of Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. Born July 7, 1943 in Lorain, OH, Karen was the daughter of the late Norbert B. and Irene (Kuzak) Feldkamp. Karen was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, MI. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. Karen married Harry C. Herkimer on June 26, 1965 in Wyandotte. Karen was employed by Monroe Public Schools as a teacher and as an administrator. She taught at Lincoln Elementary School, Monroe Adult Education, and for 19 years was in charge of Early Childhood Development and childcare as well as Kids Club. Karen served as the Director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Monroe and both worked at and served as Director of The United Way of Monroe. Karen also sat on the Advisory Committee for Early Childhood Development for the State of Michigan. She retired in August of 2010 from Monroe Public Schools. Karen enjoyed attending Mass at both St. Mary’s and St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Monroe. She was a member of CASA and Kiwanis. Karen was very civic minded and served on several committees and boards throughout the years. Karen enjoyed traveling, going to the movies, and garlic, she even made a trip to California to attend the Garlic Festival. She will be remembered as a strong, powerful (in all the right ways), determined, funny, dynamic, independent and compassionate woman who loved time spent with friends, family, and her grandchildren. Many of those wonderful times were celebrated by enjoying great food. Karen is survived by three loving children: Jeff (Lois) Herkimer of Brick, NJ, Lisa A. (Dean) Walters of Monroe and Lyn A. Herkimer of Cincinnati, OH, five cherished grandchildren: Kyle and Quinn Walters and Alexandria, Samantha, and Brad Herkimer, two brothers: Jim (Pam) Feldkamp of Troy, MI and Tom (Lynne) Feldkamp of Evergreen, CO. Karen was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be held on Monday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161 where funeral services celebrating Karen’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 10:00 AM. Fr. James Smalarz, pastor of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Center For Life Enhancement, 863 St. James Park Avenue, Monroe, MI 48161.

Karen A. Herkimer

July 7, 1943 - March 12, 2015