Karen S. Christensen

Karen S. Christensen, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 in Kalamazoo. Karen was born in Chicago, IL on June 1, 1945, the daughter of Carl and Esther (Andersen) Christensen. 

Karen was a 1963 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. She attended the University of Michigan and eventually received her bachelor's degree in education from Western Michigan University. 

In 1966 she married Dale Battles and they had two children, daughter Lisa and son Jason. Karen was a stay at home mom until both kids were in school. She then went to work for Portage Public Schools. She began as a school secretary and later worked in human resources before retiring after more than 20 years. Eventually Karen and Dale divorced and she later met Charlie, the man she would happily spend the rest of her life with. 

Karen enjoyed gardening and was also a talented and creative quilter. In addition, she was an avid sports fan who never missed a Detroit Lions of U of M Wolverines game during football season. Most of all, she was a proud mom and grandma. 

Surviving are her daughter Lisa Plotts of Plainwell and a son Jason Battles of CA; a grandson Connor Plotts of Otsego; her siblings, Carl Christensen and Ingrid (Les) Williams. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandson Reece Plotts and her beloved companion of over 20 years, Charlie Lima. 

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service with burial of ashes will be held at Mt. Home Cemetery in the spring. 

Contributions in memory of Karen may be to Sylvia’s Place. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.