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Portrait of Karen Klamer
In loving memory

Karen Klamer

November 1, 1980 – January 25, 2023
Lived 42 years
Bay City, Michigan
Its my life, its better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I would have to miss the dance.
Life story

Karen Emma Klamer, 42, of Bay City, formerly of Gladwin, our loving, caring, and creative daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, and most loyal friend passed away on the evening of Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Covenant HealthCare - Harrison after a brief, yet courageous battle with cancer.

Karen was born in Clare on November 1, 1980, the daughter of Ronald and Josette (Campbell) Klamer. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gladwin and a 1999 graduate of Gladwin High School. After taking a couple years off to wait for her little sister and best friend, Kelly, to graduate, the two then attended Mid Michigan Community College, and later Ferris State University, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelors Degree in Medical Records Administration.

Karen went on to work at McLaren Bay Region in Medical Records for the past 18 years. Those who knew Karen, knew her love for animals was second-to-none. She was deeply involved with Mitten Mutts Dog Rescue and Bay County Animal Services and Adoption Center.

The only thing larger than her love for animals was her contagious and infectious smile - a smile that would light up even the darkest of rooms.

Karen was a friend to all. On her journey though life, Karen touched countless hearts. She enjoyed music of all sorts, especially Elvis Presley and Lucille Ball, attending concerts, walks and enjoying nature, time spent with friends, scrapbooking, reading, photography, and was a lover of baseball history. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her friends and family for years to come.

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Photos
Photo book

Karen’s life, in a printed book

We design every page from Karen’s 24 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Karen.

Videos
Lifetime

The world Karen knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1980
Born November 1
1989
Karen was 9 when "The Simpsons" debuted as a series
1994
Karen was 14 when "Friends" premiered
1997
Karen was 17 when "Titanic" opened in theaters
1999
Graduated High School Gladwin
2004
Graduated FSU Ferris State University
2004
Karen was 24 when Facebook was launched
2005
Hired Mclaren Bay Region
2005
Karen was 25 when the first video was posted to YouTube
2006
First House Bay City
2014
WELCOME LUCY
2015
Welcome Ethel Mae
2020
Garth Concert
2022
Pink out the Park
2022
Parasailing
2023
Passed away January 25, age 42
Tributes and memories

4 memories shared

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Kelly Klamer 10w

Growing tree

Seen Eric Church this weekend with Carmen. I loved it but miss you! Funny how a melody sound like a memory..... Springsteen. I found a video from the palace and you singing. So happy to have that moment captured. I had to stop and see your tree

Photo shared by Kelly Klamer Photo shared by Kelly Klamer Photo shared by Kelly Klamer
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Kelly Klamer 85w

Herbert and your tree

I was walking this handsome man at the shelter. He was doing so well we made it to your tree. Gotta get you a fresh ribbon. Miss you!

Photo shared by Kelly Klamer Photo shared by Kelly Klamer
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Kelly Klamer 123w

Your tree

Long live came on the radio close to the house, well it was on my playlist and I believe there is 3 different versions, so its bound to come up. I was deciding between the bench or the tree, and crossing over the bridge I seen someone was sitting on the bench. That makes me so happy seeing people enjoy it. Its a beautiful place. I always wonder what they are talking about or doing. So I chose the tree Its hot this week. I have to remember to bring some water. I miss you always and always wonder if you knew how much you were LOVED. Till we meet again. Xoxo

Photo shared by Kelly Klamer
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Kelly Klamer 124w

Miss You

Miss you everyday! I was remembering the time we helped looked for Bella and she was 3 houses down from her house. Microchipping works. I hope you, Bella and Buddy are playing together today. Still trying to find the hapoy even though its so hard. I am hoping I am making you proud. Love you!

Photo shared by Kelly Klamer
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