Karen A. Howard

Karen A. Howard, age 57 of West Branch, passed away Friday, December 18, 2009 at her home. Karen had lived in the West Branch-Rose City area for all of her life. She was a graduate of Ogemaw Heights High School and attended Kirtland Community College for 2 years. She was an employee of Tolfree Memorial Hospital and West Branch Regional Medical Center for the past 30 years. Karen was happily married to Thomas Howard Sr. for 38 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, but most of all with her husband, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and friends. She loved playing bingo, going to the casino, doing crossword puzzles and cheering for her grandsons at sporting events. Karen is survived by her husband Tom, 2 sons, Tom (Cheryl) Howard Jr. of West Branch and Jerry (Erin) Howard of Kingsley, 2 grandsons, Thomas Howard III and Timothy Howard. Also surviving are her brothers, Gary (Barb) Wangler and Kenny Wangler both of West Branch and Mark Wangler (Tammy Partlo) of Rose City, her sisters, Gayle (Raymond) Adams and Gloria Schmitt all of West Branch and Beverly (Bill) Sedlock of Norwalk, OH. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Robert Schmitt, infant daughters, Marci and Kristi Howard and her parents Dennis and Marie Wangler. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin Sunday, December 20, 2009 from 1-9 pm with Scripture Service at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church Monday, December 21, 2009 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.