She was born on January 29th, 1943 to George Henry Warren and Ethel (Irene) Doxtador in Petoskey, MI. Karen was the youngest of three sisters growing up in the country outside of Petoskey. She graduated from Petoskey high school in 1961.
Upon graduation, Karen worked at the State of Michigan License Bureau in Petoskey. One day, as fate would have it, a forlorn young man named Denny Custer approached her desk looking for help replacing his lost car title. Wedding bells rang out for the two of them a short six and half months later. A marriage that would last for almost 58 years.
Early in their marriage, a move to Grand Blanc, MI created many new experiences and changes. Involvement in the Grand Blanc Jaycees and a job with St. Joesph’s hospital brought many new friends. Some of which became cherished life long friends. One of the hallmarks of their marriage was their common love of travel. They wasted no time starting with journeys throughout the United States and the first of many trips to Switzerland. With the birth of their twin boys, Greg and Scott, she became a stay at home mom. What a great mom and homemaker she was. Always at the ready with family meals, a band aid, a hug, or a chocolate chip cookie. Oh, those chocolate chip cookies!
As it is the case with all moms and dads, there are ups and downs that come with being a parent. In Karen’s case, the news of Scott’s diagnosis with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy was particularly difficult. It rocked her to her core and the stress that ensued has been attributed as a key factor in the development of frontotemporal dementia which was devastating in her final years. In spite of all the stress and strain brought on by the dystrophy, she was a constant care provider for Scott. Though it was not her intent, she was an example to all around her of selflessness, fortitude, and boundless love.
In the years that followed Scott’s passing, Karen and Denny set out for adventure traveling the globe together for over 20 years. Trips, sometimes with family and friends, to five continents made for memories and experiences of a lifetime. Imbedded in those years was also the joy of a wedding for son Greg and welcoming a daughter-in-law, Karrie, into the family. Closely followed by the birth of two grandsons, Carson and Alex who have provided many hours of enjoyment, fun, and laughter…and exercise!! Trying to keep up in those first few years led to a lot of naps.
As we say goodbye to our sister, wife, mom, grandmother, and friend, we remember her life. The life of a kind person who left an impression on us. A person we are grateful to have had in our lives. We celebrate you and love you very much Karen! While we all miss you, we are comforted with the knowledge you are at peace and whole again.
Karen is survived by her husband Power Dennis (Denny) Custer, Jr. of East Lansing, MI. Son Greg, daughter-in-law Karrie (Fischer) Custer, grandsons Carson and Alex Custer of Ada, MI. Sisters Jean (Campbell) Warren of Petoskey, MI and Darlene (Backus) Warren of Wyoming, MI. Sister-in-law Nancy (Custer) Jaworski and brother-in-law Bill Jaworski of Burley, WA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 564 S. Main St., #200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
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