Karen Elizabeth Stegeman, 54, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away suddenly on June 14, 2020 of a heart attack. She was born on May 14, 1966 in Toledo, OH as the only daughter of beloved parents John G. and Joann E. Stegeman who preceded her in death.
Karen attended E.L. Bowsher High School in Toledo, Ohio and later obtained a degree in cosmetology. She became one of the youngest regional managers for Glemby Salons in the Midwest. She moved to Indianapolis, where she was very proud making the Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders look their best. Karen was passionate about her career, so she then made a career change. For the past 13 years she was a Senior Recruiter at American Travelers Staffing Professionals. This career path moved her to Phoenix, then Boca Raton, and back to Phoenix and a cherished life with Anne Gibbons and their four dogs, Davey, Chaz, Benji and Cooper.
Karen was an avid baseball fan and was raised as a Toledo Mud Hen and Detroit Tigers fan. She also was a huge Ohio State Buckeyes fan. She was a “southpaw” who could throw a great pitch. While living in Phoenix, she loved attending the Arizona Diamondbacks games and organized a softball team and enjoyed kickball with Anne and her friends.
Karen is survived by her loving companion of 12 years Anne Gibbons, Anne’s family, her brothers, Mark (Jenny) Stegeman, David (Diane) Stegeman, nephews, Michael, Jeffrey, Nicholas, Trace, Grant and Mitchell Stegeman, and niece, Mackenzie Stegeman. Also left to treasure her memory are many Stegeman and Summersett family aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends from Phoenix, Boca Raton and Toledo.
Visitation will be held on Monday June 22, 2020, beginning at 10:00 A.M. on AZ time. A Funeral Service and live video stream will be held at 11:00 A.M. on AZ time (2:00 P.M. EDT) at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. The live video stream link of the service will be available at https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/ Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family asks anyone who is sick or has concerns to please refrain from attending. Social distancing and hand hygiene will be observed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, The Arthritis Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences and Hugs from Home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Jamie Summersett Burbol
I am so very sorry for the loss of Karen. It has been many years since I have seen Karen in person but kept up with her on facebook. She was a beautiful person inside and out. My prayers to all who are feeling the loss of Karen.
Michael Grupp-Verbon
Hello,
I’m a friend of Karen’s brother, Dave.
I am so sorry to all, for the loss of such a wonderful person. I didn’t know Karen well, but my heart goes out a to all of Karen’s family and friends!
I believe that Karen is now in God’s loving arms and that she is safe in his Kingdom.
RIP sweet Karen….
Candy Summersett
It is helpful to see how many people cared for and were touched by the life of someone who dies unexpectedly like Karen.
Mom and I have been enjoying thinking back on fun times with Karen, like a trip to Cedar Point, and when she cut my hair in cosmetology school.
We were glad to see the service will be live streamed on Monday, so we can attend from Florida.
With love, sympathy and lots of virtual hugs,
Candy and Nedra Summersett
Todd & Dawn Bechtel
It hurts to think the world has lost another amazing person, so very soon when she had so much more to give,
I will always keep you in my memories Karen. RIP you are missed.
Patrick Rynn
Losing a sibling is a very sad and painful experience… My deepest condolences Dave and to your entire family…. May your sister rest in peace,,,,,
Kim Nordvall
An extraordinary lady has been taken from us way too soon. I will forever cherish my friendship with Karen
My deepest condolences go out to Ann, Dave and Mark
RIP my friend
Chris Summersett
My condolences to the family and her close friends. Though I didn’t have the pleasure meeting her, it sound’s like she was a remarkable young lady. She was way to young leaving this temporary home but will be at peace now with our God.
Pat Connolly
To Karen’s family & friends you have my deepest sympathy. Like her dad & uncle she was way too young to die of a heart attack. My husband Don & her dad were best friends. The summer after her dad died we took Karen & her brothers fishing on our boat & introduced them to egg salad sandwiches. They were special memories to us. Her mom always kept me up to date on Karen’s career. May she Rest In Peace.
Debe’ Clark-Osborne
To Karen’s loved ones I am so sorry to hear of her passing. We are old friends from Toledo Academy of Beauty and shared lots of laughs and tears. I will miss her photos on Facebook of the dogs ,and the baseball games . Rest in Heaven my friend. ❤️
Tim and Megan Mortimer (Summersett)
“It is not length of life, but depth of life.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
After hearing of Karen’s passing, this quote truly struck me. Karen’s life, although painfully short, was well lived and well loved. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Anne Gibbons, Dave Stegeman, Mark Stegeman, and to all of her family and friends.
Carrie Lewis
Dear loved ones of Karen, My heart is heavy with the loss of my cherished friend, I can’t imagine the grief you must be enduring. My prayers are with you.
David Connolly
I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Karen’s family has been friends with my family since the 1960’s.
I pray God will comfort Anne and all of their family and friends.
Shannnkn Ratliff
Karen,
You will be missed by your entire work family at TNAA! Way too soon to lose you and we wish you and your family our condolences.
Elizabeth and David Dzama
Words cannot express our sadness at Karen’s passing. We loved her, as we love you. May God and time heal your hearts.
Jamie (Brunt) Hamilton
To Mary, Mark, Dave, and your families, I send my deepest sympathy and virtual hugs.
I was so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing last week. Since hearing the news, I have been thinking a lot about Karen. From the day that I moved to Toledo in July of 1973 through high school, we were pretty much inseparable. I think I spent as much time at the Stegeman’s house as I did my own… my apologies to Mark and Dave:) After leaving Cherrylawn we didn’t see each other as much, and unfortunately lost touch after both leaving Toledo. Luckily, we reconnected on FB a few years ago. It
was great to see how happy Karen was in AZ, living her life with Mary. I was in Scottsdale a few years ago with my family on Spring Break. I told them that I was going to look up my childhood best friend and try to see her. Regrettably, we got busy and I did not reach out to Karen until we were in the airport ready to head back to Chicago. I messaged her, told her that I had hoped to catch up, and promised to the next time we were in the Phoenix area. Sadly, that day will never come.
I watched the service today and was touched to hear my name mentioned. My thoughts continue to be with you as you continue to grieve. Rest In Peace my friend ,Karen❤️
Jamie Hamilton
My apologies Anne, I Just realized that I mistakenly referred to you as Mary In my earlier post for some reason. Sorry!