Karen Jean Zblewski

Karen Jean Zblewski, born Karen Jean Anderson on July 30, 1937, in Antigo, Wisconsin, passed away on December 7, 2025, in Marshall, Michigan, at the age of 88. She was the daughter of Ernest Edward Anderson Jr. and Marjorie (Ferguson) Anderson. Following her parents' separation, Karen lived with her father in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her extended family included two stepsisters, Mavis and Deelda, and a stepbrother, Doug, from her father's remarriage to Petronella Kramer, as well as a brother, Michael, and a sister, Marilynn, from her mother's remarriage to Melvin Wetterau.

Karen graduated from North Division High School in Milwaukee in 1955, where she was an active student involved in the Glee Club, student government, Art Club, and various sports. During high school, she worked at a bakery and a furniture store. After graduation, she joined the office staff at Universal Rundle Foundry in Milwaukee, where she met her husband, Joseph Zblewski. They married on July 13, 1957, in Milwaukee.

Karen and Joe began their family with the births of Sandra, Suzanne, Cheryl, Joseph John, Steve, and Andy. The family moved to Marshall, Michigan, in 1967, where Joe worked at Eaton’s Foundry. In 1979, they purchased a cottage on Prairie Lake and later a farm on the same lake in 1989, where they resided since.

Karen was deeply involved in her community, joining Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and participating in various organizations, including the Lee Hustlers MSU Extension club, VFW Auxiliary, and Saint Mary’s church school board. She was known for planning events for the Southwest Michigan American Foundrymen’s Society.

In her later years, Karen engaged in buying and selling antiques at flea markets and antique shows across Michigan and Indiana. She enjoyed playing Bingo, fishing, cooking, and volunteering for elections in Clarence Township. Karen was also passionate about teaching her children entrepreneurial skills and took joy in traveling, visiting Poland and Alaska with Joe after his retirement.

Karen is survived by her husband of 68 years, Joe; her children Sandra Lawrence, Suzanne Sellers, Cheryl FairBrother, Joseph John Zblewski, and Andy (Holly) Zblewski; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; her brother Mike Wetterau; her sister Marilynn (Bill) Evenson; her stepsisters Mavis Orr and Deelda (Ritchie) Collins; and her stepbrother Doug Rice. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepparents, an infant sister, and her son Steven Zblewski in 2023.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Karen's life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. John Catholic Church, 1020 Irwin Ave., Albion, MI with Father Richard Altine officiating.

Please feel encouraged to share condolences, memories and photos with the family through this online guest book.