Submitted by: Dan Rich

Karen Ann Brechtl

July 20, 1950 - Jan. 19, 2003

South Bend Tribune 1/22/2003

Karen Ann Brechtl, 52, of Mishawaka, died at 11:55 on Sunday, Jan. 19th, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Bernadine Brechtl; and by her brother, James.

Karen was born in Florida on July 20th, 1950, and had resided in the South Bend/Mishawaka area her entire life. She was employed by 1st Source Bank for over 25 years.

Karen is survived by her son, Charles Shields, his wife Kasey, and their three children, MacKenzie, Delaney, and newborn Jack. She is also survived by her three sisters, Carol Dalglish (Jim) of San Antonio, Texas, Joan Richards (Phil) of Indianapolis, Ind., Anne Richmond (Steve) of South Bend, Ind.; her brother, Robert Brechtl of Elkhart, Ind.; and by seven nieces and nephews, Scott and Laura Richmond, Philip, Jenna and Denton Richards, and Jessica and Ryan Brechtl.

Karen had artistic ability that she passed on to her son, Charlie, and granddaughter, MacKenzie. She loved the music of John Denver. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren. Her smile and gentle spirit were her gifts to all.

Visitation will be today, Jan. 22nd, between 5 and 8 p.m. in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 309 S. Taylor St., South Bend, on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m.

Donations may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3437.