Karen Louise Gerhold

Karen Louise Gerhold

John 11:25 - Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

Karen Louise Gerhold died on earth Friday morning, September 13, after a brave and “faith-filled” battle with pancreatic cancer; she is now living in her eternal home with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her death was quiet and peaceful with her pastor, Jim Gau, sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Earl, and long-time friends, Bob and Beverley, at her side. Karen was born in Columbus, Ohio to parents Paul Otto Gerhold and Ruth Esther (Kroeger) Gerhold on December 29, 1942. Her younger years were spent in Florida while her dad was in the service. After WWII the family relocated to Akron, her mother’s home. Karen graduated from Buchtel High School in 1960 and attended Valparaiso Lutheran University. Karen was an amazing graphic artist and after college she went to work for Polsky’s department stores in the art department where she was their most detailed and talented artist. You could always recognize Karen’s ads in the Beacon Journal for their clarity and detail. In 1969 she relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, FL and resided in a condominium that her beloved grandfather, Akron banker, Bill Kroeger had owned. She went to work in the art department of Jordan Marsh Department Stores in Miami for 20+ years. Following that she did free-lance artwork for many years as well as teaching at the Ft. Lauderdale Art Institute where she shared her talents with many young artists. In her retirement years, Karen advanced her talents to watercolors where she became a respected and juried artist. All of her family and friends have pieces of her wonderful art. She maintained homes in Ft. Lauderdale as well as Tower 80 in Akron where she continued her Florida and Akron friendships.

Karen is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Earl Evans and their children, Christopher Evans and Kari Evans-Latz (Allan) and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

A memorial service will be held at Fairlawn Lutheran Church, 3415 W. Market St. (next to Summit Mall), Fairlawn, Ohio 44333, where Karen and her family were charter members, on Monday, September 23 at 11:00 am. Calling hours will be at 10:00 am with a reception following the service. In keeping with Karen’s wishes, please wear “bright, happy colors”, and no tears. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Braille Ministry at Fairlawn Lutheran Church where Karen was a volunteer.

Services in care of Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH 44333