Karen Stegeman Miller, 84, Kalamazoo, died on Feb. 11, 2018. She was born March 28, 1933. in Hannibal, Mo., to Clyde and Angelin (Akerson) McGowan.
Karen graduated from Allegan High School in 1951. She was also a graduate of Stephen’s College, Columbia, Mo., and Michigan State University.
Along with her family, Karen’s source of joy was her long and successful career as an elementary school teacher for the Allegan Public School system. For 26 years, Karen guided her students with fairness, compassion and knowledge. Many years after her retirement, students remembered Karen and continued to reach out to her, sharing their cherished memories of her as their teacher. She simply loved her profession.
Karen was a long-time member of Allegan First Congregational Church, life-time member of National Education Association and member of Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, Allegan Chapter.
Karen is survived by her sons, John McGowan Stegeman, wife Linda and Thomas Clare Stegeman, wife Lori; and two grandchildren, Sean Stegeman and Paige Stegeman; her sister and only sibling, Neysa Geupel; and brother-in-law Carl Geupel; her nieces, Lauren Geupel and Leslie Stratton, husband Robert. She is also survived by her nephew Jeff Volker, wife Ellen; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Miller and Sally Titus; seven treasured Akerson cousins; her beloved toy poodle Ashley; and many dear friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 45 years, John L. Stegemen; and by her second husband Jack W. Miller.
Beloved by both her family and her friends, Karen will be remembered as outgoing, ethical and sincerely interested in the lives of others. At Karen’s request, her life will be honored in a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rolling Dog Farm (for disabled animals), www.rollingdogranch.com or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, www.kazoogospel.org. Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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