Karen Sue Schlehuser, age 84, of Columbus, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Schneck Medical Center, Seymour, surrounded by her loving family.
Mrs. Schlehuser was baptized, confirmed, and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour. After her marriage, she and her husband, Harry, became devoted members of St. John's Lutheran Church in White Creek. Attending church and being involved in church activities were deeply important to her. She was also a dedicated member of the Ladies Guild and helped with cleaning and maintaining the church and school.
Karen played a significant role at White Creek Lutheran School as a cook for many years, where she treated the students as if they were her own children. She was affectionately known as "Mom" and "Grandma" to all the students.
Family was also of utmost importance to Karen. She was a constant source of strength and support for her family and friends, cherishing her loved ones and valuing every moment spent with them. She especially enjoyed following the activities of her children and grandchildren throughout their lives. In her free time, Karen enjoyed cooking for her family, camping, making clothes for her grandchildren's dolls, sewing, working on crossword puzzles, and gardening.
Born on March 23, 1940, in Seymour, Karen was the daughter of Russell and Margaret (Peters) Foster, both of whom preceded her in death. On August 27, 1960, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, she married Harry James Schlehuser, and he preceded her in death on May 23, 2014.
Survivors include one son, Bradley James (Julie) Schlehuser of Columbus; one daughter, Lori Elizabeth (Jason) Hill of Columbus; seven grandchildren: Zachary James (Rachel) Smith, Elizabeth Marie (Eddie) Patrick, Kade Joseph Hill, Madison Claire Schlehuser (fiance Jake Branum), Adam Robert Schlehuser, Taylor Lee Schlehuser, and Carsyn Blair Schlehuser; three great-grandchildren: Reagan Smith , Wyatt Smith, and Jade Elizabeth Branum; and three brothers: Roger (Betty) Foster, Bill (Susie) Foster, and Gary (Cathy) Foster.
Funeral services for Karen Sue Schlehuser will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church, White Creek, with Pastor Jim Haugen officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church, White Creek, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church, White Creek.
Interment will follow at St. John's Lutheran Church, White Creek Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church, White Creek, or White Creek Lutheran School.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at
www.spurgeonfh.com
Published by The Tribune from Mar. 11 to Mar. 12, 2025.