Karen G. Shepler Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Karen Gayle Shepler, age 64, passed away on January 14, 2021. She was born on January 19, 1956 in Highland Park to Robert Smith and June Burley Smith. A lifelong Royal Oak resident, Karen met the love of her life, Robert Shepler, at the Royal Oak Ice Arena. Karen was a beautiful 16 year old figure skater, and Rob was a dashing 18 year old Zamboni driver. They fell head over heels for each other and married 2 years later. Karen and Rob spent a lot time at the ice arena raising their 4 children in true "Rink Rat" fashion with 2 figure skaters and 2 hockey players. Karen enjoyed teaching and enriching children in every way especially skating. Her true gift was to teach through play and imagination, and it has forever changed the way skating is taught today. Karen was a very outgoing, boisterous, extremely giving and above all a genuinely loving person. She lit up any room that she entered, her love for life just glowed. Karen was the sort of person who left an unbelievable imprint on anyone she ever crossed paths with. There was no place that Karen went without seeing someone she knew or making a new friend; Heart and soul, she truly had a gift. Recently Karen was employed at Ferndale High School as a Para-professional. Her love of children was never ending. Her "kids" at Ferndale were so important to her, they were like an extension of her own family. We know that she is at peace and reunited with her mother and beloved dog Jax, watching over and smiling down upon us. Beloved wife of Rob Shepler. Loving mother of Stacey (Andrew) Long, Theresa (Michael) Berry, Amy Shepler, David (Katie) Shepler and the late Stephen Shepler. Proud grandmother of Gavin Klein, Anneliese Klein, Evan Berry, Audrey Berry and Isabella Shepler. Cherished daughter of the late Robert and June Smith. Dear sister of Lynne (Don) Pratt and Wayne (Donna) Smith. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 20 from 2-8 pm at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. Please note that due to COVID restrictions, masks are required in the funeral home and a maximum of 25 people are allowed at a time for the visitation. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com

Karen G. Shepler

January 19, 1956 - January 14, 2021