Karen S. Dahlstrom passed away peacefully into eternal life on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at her home in Cadillac.  She had faced several medical challenges, most recently cancer.

She was born January 5, 1957, in Reed City to Gerald and Norma (Hufendick) Kienitz and was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church.  She was a 1975 graduate of Reed City High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ferris State College in 1979.  On June 15, 1991, she married Randy Dahlstrom and moved to Traverse City.  Karen was employed at the Reed City State Bank as well as the Bank of America in Traverse City.  When her family moved to Cadillac, she worked at McKinley and Franklin Elementary Schools.  She was also a supportive mom and treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 125.

Karen loved gathering with friends and family and especially enjoyed her time with her children.  She listened to those in challenging situations and encouraged and supported them as they worked toward their goals.  She enjoyed taking on a tough sudoku or crossword puzzle.  While living in Reed City, she played softball and volleyball in the recreational leagues and held season tickets for Ferris State hockey.  Karen was an avid knitter and donated many of her projects to support charitable organizations.

She is survived by her husband Randy; son Bradley (Madison Astorga); her mother Norma Kienitz; siblings Brenda (Steve) Marsh, Geri (Steve) Johnson, and Mark (Mary) Kienitz; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.  She was preceded in death by her father Gerald Kienitz.

Her funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Reed City with Rev. Paul Tonn officiating. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service following at 12:00 Noon.  A committal service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Woodland Cemetery in Reed City.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church & School or to Hospice of Michigan.