Karen Lea (Harvey) Recknagel

Karen Lea (Harvey) Recknagel of Lake Orion, MI; born at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines; age 61; passed away on October 19th, 2025. Karen is the beloved daughter of Joseph Harvey III (spouse Delores Harvey) and late Lea (Ysip) Harvey; loving wife of Dennis Recknagel; dear sister of Dale Harvey (spouse Jenna Harvey) and Deborah Harvey (spouse Nicole Brown); nurturing mother of Nate Recknagel (spouse Calista Harbaugh) and Allegra (Recknagel) Kremkus (spouse Ethan Kremkus); and guiding grandmother of Taylor Butkiewicz, Isaac Recknagel, Ella Recknagel, Case Kremkus, and Shea Kremkus. She is also survived by nieces, Chelsey (Booth) Johnson and Veronica (Booth) Plotkowski; nephews, Joel Harvey and Max Recknagel. Also, great nephews Jett, Carson, and Parker Johnson. She is also survived by many cousins including Flora Nenema (spouse Jim Nenema), aunts, and uncles. She will be missed by a vast network of “chosen family,” friends, colleagues, and anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting her.

Karen graduated from Lewis and Clark High school in Spokane, WA. Karen met Dennis while he was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, and they would later marry in 1985. In September, they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. As a beloved wife of 40 years she gave her whole heart, and unselfishly asked for nothing in return. They moved to Lake Orion, MI, where they have lived for the past 30 years and raised their children. She worked for several automotive companies as an Executive Assistant, most recently with Stoneridge and BorgWarner. She devoted herself, whole-heartedly, to every life “title” she identified with from family to work. She was known for her conviction and un-apologetic approach to life. Family and friends were met with her unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. She proudly represented her status as the family matriarch, and consistently dedicated herself to family union. As a mother, she taught her children how to navigate life with grace, confidence, and kindness as a never ending process towards personal growth. As Mimi, she spoiled her grandchildren and they loved her in return tenfold. What brought her the most fulfillment was to support her grandchildren in every facet of their lives while empowering them to thrive and be joyous. She prioritized her grandchildren above herself and had the patience for any need or desire they had. As a community staple, she has spent endless hours giving back. Her life was enmeshed with athletics and she took immense pride in her children’s, grandchildren’s, and husband’s accomplishments.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1st, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home in Lake Orion, MI. The family will be ready to receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of service. As an alternative option to flowers, donations may be made in memory of Karen to the non-profit organizations listed below to honor her longest and closest friend, Lorri Meyer, as a 21 year cancer survivor.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation

https://tnbcfoundation.org/support-us/donate

Pink Ribbon Connection

https://pinkribbonconnection.org/donate-money.html