Karen Lee Schadel

1944 - 2025

**Please note Funeral Service has been changed to Lake Orion United Methodist Church.

Karen L. Schadel of Lake Orion; age 81; July 22, 2025.  Karen was born on May 28, 1944 to the late Robinson L. and Doris A. Bronoel in St. Louis, Missouri.  She graduated from Pontiac Central High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University.  Karen taught Vocal Music in Pontiac for 2 years and then was the High School Choir Director at Lake Orion High School for many years until she retired in 1999.  Karen was also the Music Director at Lake Orion United Methodist Church for 10 years in between her teaching positions at LOHS.  She was able to bring her love of music to this community by directing church choirs and Handbell groups.  Karen also worked with the youth at the church and gave them the opportunity to learn music and perform concerts and musicals.  As a Teacher, she worked side by side in both Pontiac and Lake Orion schools with her husband Rob, which they both enjoyed immensely.   Karen built her music program from the ground up when she returned to LOHS in 1985.  She developed multiple choral groups and created Lake Orion High School’s first Show Choir.  Karen’s students became very accomplished under her leadership as she sent multiple students to Michigan School Vocal Music Association’s State Honor Choir and Solo and Ensemble Festivals.  Karen was also heavily involved in the annual High School Musical each year and spent countless hours teaching performers vocal techniques and providing musical direction.  Karen’s greatest accomplishment as a teacher was developing strong relationships with her students and she was extremely proud that she was able to remain in communication with many long after they graduated High School.  Karen continued to be involved in music well after she retired in 1999 as she performed in the Choir and Handbell groups at the church and accompanied a community children’s choir called Oakland Singers.  She enjoyed traveling and going to the casino, but she most enjoyed spending time with her family.  Karen adored her 6 Grandchildren, and she would plan special activities to spend time with each of them.  She taught her 3 youngest Grandchildren how to play the piano and they all got their love of music through her and their Grandfather Rob.  Karen was a beloved member of the community as well and had 60+ years of friendships from college, church, and teaching.    She cherished her time with these friends and made sure they knew how much she cared about each and every one.  Karen was married to Rob for 55 years until he passed away on January 30, 2021.  Their relationship was truly inspirational to their family and no one could imagine one without the other.  Karen is survived by sons Robert (Allayna) Schadel Jr and Scott (Samantha) Schadel, sister in laws, Karen Hill Schadel and Karen Hartman Bronoel and grandchildren Chris, Lexi (Josh), Katie, Ben, Abby, and Lily.  She was preceded in death by her brother Ken, mother and father in law Ruth and Richard, and brother in law Richard.  The family will receive friends and loved ones at Sparks Griffin Funeral Home in Lake Orion on Saturday, August 16th from 10:00am-1:00pm and then have a funeral service at 1:00pm at Lake Orion United Methodist Church.  A luncheon will be provided after the ceremony.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Karen to the music program at Lake Orion United Methodist Church (LOUMC) 140 E Flint Street, Lake Orion, MI  48362 will be greatly appreciated.