Carmen Karin Harrelson

Carmen Karin Harrelson (Zimmer) passed away on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 at her home in Ortonville, Michigan surrounded by family. Carmen was born in Sankt Johann, Germany on December 23rd, 1946. At 19 years old, she moved to San Antonio, Texas where she met and married Thomas (Tom) Harrelson in 1969. Carmen worked as a hairdresser and began her life in the U.S. by starting a family once moving to Southfield, Michigan. However, a majority of her time was spent in Lake Orion, Michigan, where her two children (Ryan and Lisa Harrelson) were raised and attended school.
After moving to Michigan, Carmen loved supporting her two children growing up throughout their various passions and activities. As a pastime, she was an avid racquetball and tennis player, traveling to competitions around the Midwest. In addition, she loved playing golf with her husband, Tom.
Throughout her life, she used her experience as a hairdresser and creative passions to cut hair, sew clothes, cook homemade recipes, and create items and experiences for her children and grandchildren. Above all, she loved nothing more than being the biggest support for her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors. You could always find her traveling around the state to attend performances, academic competitions, sporting events, and all other life milestones. She is remembered by her infectious smile, magical spirit, resilience, and unconditional love for her family and friends.
Carmen is survived by her husband Tom Harrelson, two children Ryan (Louise) Harrelson and Lisa (John) Harmala, and grandchildren M., Kylie, Kate, Lucy, and Emilia. She is also survived by her favorite, and only sister Doris Kwiatkowski. Carmen was predeceased by her beloved brother-in-law Manfred Kwiatkowski.
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life luncheon on November 23, 2025 at: Deer Lake Athletic Club Banquet Center, 6167 White Lake Rd., Suite 1, Clarkston, MI 48346. The celebration luncheon will begin at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate or by supporting blood donations through American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html.