January 30, 1942 – July 13, 2022
Karen F. Ledwell, 80, of Dowagiac, died Wednesday, July 13, 2022.
A prayer service will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022, at 1 p.m., at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Friends may visit family on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with service following immediately. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Those wishing to leave condolences online can do so at www.clarkch.com.
Karen was born on January 30, 1942 to Forrest and Frances (Rank) Gardner in Dowagiac. She graduated from Dowagiac High School. On January 30, 1965, she married the love of her life Thomas Ledwell at Holy Maternity Catholic Church in Dowagiac. Together they have three children and being a mother was her most important role. After her children were raised, she returned to the insurance industry where she obtained her insurance license.
She also owned O’Leary’s Deli in Eau Claire. In her spare time, Karen enjoyed gardening, oil painting, baking and crafts. Her most precious time was spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Karen is survived by her children, Catherine Milo of Tampa, FL, Heather Jung of Stevensville and Maureen (Todd Boody) Ledwell of Parker, CO; grandchildren, Madeline Jung, Alexandra Milo, Thomas Milo, Lauren Boody and Claire Boody; and his sister Mariam (Michael) Shepherd of Anderson, IN.
Karen was predeceased by her parents, Forrest Gardner & Frances (Rank) Mielke; husband Thomas Ledwell and brothers, Marlin Gardner and Terry Mielke.
