Obituary for Karen M. Velker

Toledo, Ohio

Karen Marie Velker, 55, has been taken to heaven, reunited with her mother, Veryl Elaine, and father, James Gordon, who preceded her on that journey.

Partially handicapped at 13 from a serious illness, Karen rebounded to lead a happy life; in fact no one was ever happier. Karen was cared for first by her parents, with an assist from Rose Spaulding. After her parents’ death, Karen’s sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Doc Taraschke, cared for her, with the support of her twin brother, Chris. The rest of the family will always be indebted to Kathy, Doc and Chris for their unwavering care and support.

Aunt Karen, as she was affectionately known, was always happy, laughing and loving. She was the “love spreader” and hug giver. Any friend of yours was a friend of Karen’s. They all received a hug and she never forgot their name. She could sing along with any song, pump the player piano all night long, and sneak candy at every turn. Fun-loving and a jokester at heart, Karen’s personality was infectious. She will be dearly missed.

Karen is survived by her twin brother, Christopher Velker (Christine); her sister, Kathy Taraschke (Doc), and brothers, Michael (Cate Lewandowski); Steve (Gaither), and Bill (Debi).

She was Aunt Karen to Sarah Beidleman, Mike Taraschke, Shelley Taraschke, Courtney Oakley, Jami Velker, Casey Velker, Christi Rotterdam, Kelly Biggs, Andrew Velker, Katie Dunn, Daniel Yeager, Matthew Velker, Erin Dzierwa, Nathan Velker, Betsy Roth, Daniel Velker, Michael Velker, Thomas Velker, Joseph Velker, and their spouses and children, 51 in all.

Karen is also survived by three aunts, Barb Glanzman, Ella Mae Justen and Ann Biel, along with 34 cousins, including Mickey Molnar who visited with Karen regularly for the past 42 years.

The family would like to recognize and thank the Toledo Hospital and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their care and attention to Aunt Karen. We appreciate everything that you did under difficult circumstances. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish make a donation to The Toledo Hospital CICU and/or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Visitation with the family will be held Monday July 22, 2013, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Tuesday July 23, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Pius X Church 3011 Carskaddon, Toledo, OH. Following Mass, a procession will be directed to Calvary Cemetery for interment and graveside services.

Online condolences: Ansberg-West Funeral Home