KAREN A. McARDLE

KAREN A. (LUPKE) McARDLE, 63, of Auburn, passed away Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, with her husband John E. "Jack" McArdle D.O. "A tribute to our mother." She was the daughter of the late Walter H. and G. Frances (McGahey) Lupke. She was a Professor of Fine Arts at the University of Saint Francis. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, attended Saint Paul Catholic Church, Clear Lake; and was a member of the Clear Lake Yacht Club. She was a graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School, Fort Wayne and received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Denver. She went on to achieve her Masters of Fine Arts in ceramics, the highest degree possible in art, at Michigan State University. She and Jack met on a blind date. After a short courtship involving motorcycle rides and beating Jack at pool, they were married on June 28, 1969. For their honeymoon they charted a boat and traveled through the Caribbean. A year later they spent a month exploring Europe by motorcycle. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed traveling and in addition to visiting 49 of the states, they went to New Zealand, Russia and other European cities together. She was a licensed pilot when she and Jack met and they enjoyed flying together during the early years of their marriage. She was an active member of antiquarians. She loved antiques and exploring historic locations and art museums. Throughout her life she taught art and explored her artistic interests in a variety of different mediums. Their house is decorated with many of her silk screen prints and woodcuttings. Her children and many of her friends and relatives have been blessed to have her make their wedding rings and other items of jewelry. She recently learned to weld so that she could make bases for her ceramic amphora. She and Jack enjoyed tackling projects together ranging from repairing a sentimental soap dish to re-wiring the kitchen to repairing and refinishing an antique pie safe. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Weekends were spent at Clear Lake doing projects and spending time with friends and family. She enjoyed boating, skiing and sailing. Family dinners were followed by hours of conversation, laughter and competitive games of Pictionary or Trivial Pursuit. She enjoyed the simple things in life and opened her arms and her home to welcome friends and family into the fold. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Megan and Jonathan Moss of Auburn and Bridget McArdle D.O. and Matthew Place of Grand Blanc, Mich.; one son and daughters-in-law, John E. "Trey" and Devon McArdle III of Clear Lake; grandchildren, Jonathan Moss, Michael Moss, Patrick Moss, Elizabeth Moss, Kelly McArdle, John E "Jack" McArdle IV, and William Place; and brother and sister-in-law, Hans and Kathy Lupke of Fort Wayne. Mass of Christian Resurrection is 11 a.m. Thursda, with calling one hour prior, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 500 E. 7th St., Auburn. Visitation also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Pinnington-McComb Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main St., Auburn. Memorials may be made to the Lupke Foundation to be distributed to her favorite charities. To sign the guestbook or leave a condolence, visit www.pinnington-mccomb.com