Karen J. Laskey, Died December 11, 2018

Karen J. Laskey
Died December 11, 2018

CEDAR -- Karen Jean Laskey left this world to be with her Father in Heaven on December 11, 2018 at the age of 77.  She was surrounded by her loving husband and family at the time of her death. 

Karen was born on June 9, 1941 in Hamtramack, MI to Dorothy Marion Flees and Frank Joseph Zimmerman.  She moved to Cedar in her toddler years and lived there for the remainder of her life.  She attended Holy Rosary School and graduated from Glen Lake High School as part of the Class of ‘59.  She then attended Northwestern Michigan College and worked at Cone Drive Gear.  She fell in love with “the boy across the street” and married Aloyze Benedict Laskey Jr., endearingly called ‘Butch”, on September 22, 1962. 

Karen and Al resided in Cedar, and Karen devoted her life to her family.  She believed in being a stay at home mom and homemaker to their three children, Kim (Laskey) Faulkner, and Allan and Lee Laskey.  She enjoyed baking, canning, sewing, crocheting and going for drives to appreciate our beautiful Leelanau landscape in addition to her busy life as mom and homemaker.  Karen devotedly served over 30 years as an Army Reservist military spouse.  During their relationship, Butch was deployed for active duty for the Berlin crisis in 1961-1962 and again for Desert Shield and Storm in 1990-1991. 

Karen was involved in many activities throughout her life.  She and her husband, Al, were founding members of the Cedar Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club and shared many fond memories of their community rides.  In addition, she was a member of the Cedar Extension Club that supported the community actively.  Holy Rosary Catholic Church was another place where she donated her time and talents as a member of the Rosary Society.  Karen, with her dear friend Ruth Ann Smith, founded the Holy Rosary Home and School Association.  They organized school dances, bake sales and other fundraisers in support of Holy Rosary School.  The Holy Rosary Polka Fest was one of the fondest fundraisers they created.  She was also a Sacristan and a long-time member of the church choir.  In fact, music was always a dear love of Karen’s who learned to play piano as a child and continued to play organ up until her final days at home in her living room. 

Karen will be dearly missed by her husband of 55 years, Butch, and their children, Kim (Anthony) Faulkner, Allan (Lisa), and Lee (Suzanne); her 6 grandchildren, Chloe and Brianna Faulkner, Hannah, Madeline, Elijah and Pierce Laskey; her brother, Keith Zimmerman; her sister-in-law, Nancy Zimmerman; and in-laws, Virginia (Gerry), Donald (Patricia), and Linus (Elizabeth) Laskey.  Her memories will also be shared by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  Karen will continue to be well loved for all of our lifetimes. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Frank Zimmerman, as well as a brother, Kent Zimmerman, and her brother-in-law Gerry Laskey.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Parish of Cedar.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, also at Holy Rosary.  Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will follow.  Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Road Cedar, MI 49621, and/or Munson Home Hospice, 1105 Sixth St. Traverse City, MI 49684.

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