Karen A. Kissel
April 3, 1967 – May 24, 2022
Karen’s family is planning a Celebration of her Life, to be held in her own back yard at a later date and time. Memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Michigan SPCA, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 55, passed away on Monday morning, May 24, 2022, following a lingering illness. Karen was born in Battle Creek, on April 3, 1967, the daughter of Raymond and Heidi (Schmehl) Stafford. On December 31, 1994, she married Michael Kissel who survives her. Karen was an avid gardener. She enjoyed working on making her home nice. She loved animals. Karen worked as a hair stylist in the area and was known by her clients as a caring and kind person. She was a great cook and loved entertaining and sharing food and drink with the people she loved. Nothing was more important to her than her family and she would do anything for them. Besides her husband, Karen is survived by her son, Parker (Alex Parr) Kissel of Kalamazoo; her mother, Heidi Stafford of Kalamazoo; sister, Lisa (Keith) Langdon; mother-in-law, Diana Kissel; brothers-in-law, Rod Kissel, Brad Kissel; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends, including her BFF’s, Carla Moran, Heather Gould and Sara Gonzales. She was preceded in death by her father and her grandparents.
Sending much love and peace to you all in this difficult time. Karen was a ray of light at school and she will be missed by all who crossed her path in life
Sending love and prayers.
Karen, I will miss you for a very long time. We weren’t friends for a long time, but I saw you almost every day. In spite of our bantering back and forth, I was touched by your consideration, generosity, and thoughtfulness. You are so loving, giving, and kind. Thank you for all you have done for others and me. I’m honored to have been your friend. Rest In Peace.
I meet Karen in 1995 when when I started my first job as a manicurist at Panopoulos Salon. I was a rookie in the salon business at 21 years of age and I was feeling a bit nervous. Karen immediately welcomed me and made me feel so comfortable. She was one of the most hilarious people I ever meet. She was so fun to be around. I laughed constantly when I was around her. Her personality was absolutely magnetic! I have many fond memories hanging out on a Saturday night or just talking in the back room of the salon. While our career paths took us in different directions, I would occasionally bump into her and we would talk and catch up and she was always the same funny, sweet Karen as back when I first meet her. She will be so greatly missed. My heart is full of sadness for her family. Until they are reunited in eternity.
Mike and family, so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. It was always nice to talk to her and her mom when they were walking the dogs. She will be missed in the neighborhood. With sympathy. Marc and Dorene Doerschler.
I was introduced to Karen by one of her longtime clients/friends. I soon came to realize Karen is someone that you want to be friends with. We shared a love of dogs and gardening. I will dearly miss our every 3-4 week visits and sharing of our plant pictures. You will be missed by many Karen. Rest In Peace.
I am so sad to learn of your passing on facebook. I cherish the 21 years that I have known you. You are an amazing person. I am very thankful that the last time I saw you I was able to give you a great big hug and to tell you that I love you. My heart goes out to Mike and Parker. I know Karen was your rock and her absence will be very dificult for you. My prayers for you will continue and I am available any time to help you with whatever you need. God Bless you. Melody
I am so very sad that Karen is gone. She made the world a better place with her laughter and kindness. We shared gardening chatter and traded plants. I considered her my good friend and she always made me feel like that was true. Karen wasn’t just a good listener when you were in her chair, she shared parts of herself as well. She loved her family, her best friends and her animals. She was a truly lovely person and it is a loss for us all.