Karen L. Strong

Karen Strong, 73, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and formerly of Hot Springs, South Dakota, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018, at her home with her family by her side. Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Jonathon Bakker officiating. Burial will be in Orleans Cemetery in Ionia County. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Commission on Aging. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. Karen was born December 16, 1944, in Hot Springs, SD, daughter of the late Reinhold L. and Crystal W. (King) Krein. A 1961 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Karen received her bachelors degree from Valparaiso University and her masters degree from Central Michigan University. She married Charles N. Strong on December 20, 1968, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. A member of Zion Lutheran Church, faith and family were her priorities. She was a teacher most of her life. Karen enjoyed traveling, learning, a good sale, and a vigorous debate. Karen is survived by three daughters, Kristine (Terry) Kratz of Caro, Tanya (Micheal) McHenry of Shepherd, Victoria (Shane) Gamez of Prescott; four grandchildren, Shane, Kyle, Nathan, and Brandon; two great grandchildren, Bryce and Emmalynn; two sisters, Janet (Micky) McBee of Pueblo, CO and Nancy Meyer of Pueblo, CO; and several special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Strong in 1991; and sister, Juanita Fish.