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Susan Karcher Obituary
Susan J. Karcher, 65, of West Lafayette, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017 at St. Elizabeth East.
She was born October 30, 1951, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, to the late Franklin and Hilda Bailey Karcher.
Susan received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin and her Masters and PhD from UCSD, all three in chemistry.On December 16, 2007 she married James Mullen in West Lafayette, who survives her.
Susan was an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Purdue University from 1981 until retiring in 2016 due to failing health.She was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Phi Beta Kappa, and other honor societies.
Susan enjoyed traveling, spending time with animals, teaching, knitting, and photography.
She has three children who survive her: Matthew, Brandon, and Sarah Gelvin, who reside in Turkey, Rhode Island, and Oregon, respectively. Their father, Susan's friend and former husband, Stanton Gelvin, also survives her. She has a beloved sister, Barbara Karcher of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Desenberg and Nancy Schnerr. She has seven step-children, ten step-grandchildren, and two step-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Reverend Christopher Danielson officiating. The burial will be in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.Memorial Contributions may be made to: St. Andrew's United Methodist Church in Susan's memory. You may sign the guest book and leave memories and photos at www.soller-baker.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Karcher
Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel.
Seetha Srinivasan
May 4, 2017
Dr. Sue Karcher was a wonderful boss. I worked for her as a Teaching Assistant and she was such a wonderful mentor, supervisor and extremely caring. I will always remember her patience, kindness and understanding nature. I am very saddened to learn about her departure. I miss her and wish her family and well wishers strength and prayers. May Dr. Karcher rest in peace. Thank you for being so nice to me when I really needed it Dr. Karcher!
Ann Chezem
January 18, 2017
Dear Matthew, Brandon, and Sarah,
My condolences on the loss of your mother. When Matthew was in my fourth grade at Happy Hollow, I appreciated all the support and participation in activities by your mother. She was such an intelligent, kind, humble person and it was a privilege to know her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jackie Rosales
January 17, 2017
Sue was a bright and sweet professor who for over fifteen years was a source of good acquaintance and support to me, both as a graduate student in biology and later as an advisor when I was teaching.
I was so sad to hear of her passing....my condolences and prayers go out to all of her family and friends.
art aronson
January 16, 2017
so sad to lose Sue. A very brave lady and great scholar. art a
Sue Waraczynski
January 16, 2017
Condolences to her family, especially my friend Barb. Sue's children- be sure to ask questions of your Aunt Barb about your mother and other Karcher family. She will be a treasure to you. A sister is a very special person one's whole life with many insights.
Linda Head
January 15, 2017
I am sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She was a very nice person. I knew her from the writing club that used to meet. Prayers for comforting your hearts.
Peggy & Bill Hoover
January 15, 2017
Condolences for all the family. We will miss Susan with you Jim at church and church functions. Loving blessings & memories!
Tina Henne
January 14, 2017
I was very saddened by the new of Dr. Karcher's passing. She was a true friend and mentor to me while I was a grad student at Purdue. I will always remember her warm smile and sincere passion for teaching and encouraging students to do their best. She helped me through some challenging times and I'll never forget her.
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Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909-7113
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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909-7113
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