Karen Marie Kirchenbauer

05/02/1963 - 08/31/2025

Surrounded by her loving family, Karen Marie Kirchenbauer of Muskegon, MI, passed peacefully on August 31 and went home to be with her Lord after an 18-year battle with breast cancer.
Karen was born and raised in Rochester Hills, MI. Karen received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University. A trained journalist, she began her career as editor of General Motors Employee Magazine, in Warren, Mich. She transitioned to her true calling in public relations, establishing herself at SeyferthPR in Grand Rapids, Mich., which became her work home for nearly three decades. A principal of the firm, Karen served as a mentor to many, always crediting the mentors she had along the way. She attained her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2013, and served locally as a Board Member of the West Michigan Public Relations Society of America (WMPRSA). In June 2025, she received the WMPSA's lifetime achievement award.
Karen had a fierce love for her entire family. Her greatest joy in life was raising her two sons and seeing the remarkable men they have become. She delighted in road trips (with the top down!) and was especially grateful to take a special trip with each of them in recent years.
Karen was most grateful for her husband Todd, who has been steadfast in his love, support and encouragement, always by her side. Together they shared a strong faith and deep love for each other. They enjoyed the beauty of the Lake Michigan lakeshore region, travel and quiet moments together.
Karen loved music, recently re-learning to play guitar. And a true Spartan, she also loved all things green and white. She maintained strong friendships from high school and college, and regularly enjoyed opportunities to get together.
Karen will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her boundless energy and joy, and her ability to always find a silver lining. Anyone fortunate enough to have known Karen - personally or professionally - is better because of her. Karen was everyone's greatest cheerleader. Family, friends and her faith meant the world to her.
Karen is survived by her husband, Todd Kirchenbauer; her sons, Michael John Hogan and Sean Donald Hogan; her mother, Lorraine Corazza; siblings, Mike (Debbie) Corazza and Michelle Corazza (Brandon); niece, Melissa (Tyler) Brune and their children Remy, Mac, Maggie; and nephew, Dan (Kaitlyn) Corazza. Karen is preceded in death by her father, John Corazza.
Family will receive friends, Friday, September 5, 2025, 5-9pm with a Rosary and Sharing of Memories at 7pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road, (btwn Maple & Big Beaver), Troy MI. 248-362-2500. Funeral Mass Saturday, September 6, 2025, 10am, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 581 E. Fourteen Mile Rd., Clawson MI. Visitation at church begins 9am.
In her own special way, in lieu of flowers, Karen has requested that people share "a quiet act of kindness."
To view more information and share memories at AJDesmond.com