Karen A. Dechow

Karen A. Dechow, age 62, of Potosi, died on Friday, December 16, 2011, surrounded by family and friends from complications of the lungs after a two year battle with cancer at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.

Karen was born on June 1, 1949, in Lancaster, the daughter of Lyle and Rosemary (Bausch) Clauer. She graduated from Lancaster High School in 1966. Karen worked the majority of her life as a CNA at the Lancaster Memorial Hospital and Orchard Manor Nursing Home. Her most recent place of employment was at the Pine Point and the Potosi Brewery in Potosi. Karen was very outgoing and loving. She enjoyed long rides in the convertible with Harry and her loving best friends, Mick and Peg Walsh. Any chance for a holiday celebration, she was there and especially enjoyed Christmas. She will be sadly missed by all her knew her.

Survivors include her children: Cheryl (ne: Mahr) (Todd) Walton, Lancaster; David (Karen) Mahr, Potosi; Brian (Marcie) Mahr, Mt. Hope; step-son, Cory Dechow, Eau Claire; her life partner of fourteen years, Harold Blindert, Potosi; his seven children and their families which were greatly loved and appreciated; two brothers: Dennis Clauer, Fennimore; Thomas (Cathy) Clauer, Yorba Linda, CA; thirteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was in Beetown Cemetery, Beetown. Family and friends called on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.