Karen Marie Bahlinger, a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022 after a brief illness. Karen is survived by her mother, Juanita Prados Bahlinger, brothers Kenneth David Bahlinger (Suzette), Daniel James Bahlinger (Lauren), Craig Patrick Bahlinger (Jennifer), sister Renee Bahlinger Dickhute (Brian), and fiancé Francis Bondy Lacour. Nephews David Thomas Bahlinger, Phillip David Bahlinger, Christopher Brian Dickhute, Cole Patrick Bahlinger, and Cade Michael Bahlinger. Nieces Morgan Dickhute Batson (Jonathan), Meagan Bahlinger Peno (John), Elizabeth Anne Bahlinger, Kathleen Dickhute Parisi (Doug), and Aubrey Christina Bahlinger. Great nephews Hampton Barry Batson, Hutson Brian Batson, Archer Oneal Peno, and Cooper Luke Peno. Great nieces Lily Colette Peno, Grace Marie Bahlinger, and Hayden Renee Batson; and special loved ones Reed and Sarah Lacour. A multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom she loved dearly. Preceded in death by her father, David Kenneth Bahlinger, grandparents Frederick Jacob Bahlinger, Sr., Christina Fabacher Bahlinger, James Howard Prados, and Lillian Ester Binford Prados.
Karen was born in Baton Rouge on January 17, 1966. She attended St. Thomas More, graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1984, and attended Louisiana State University where she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma. She worked at Cellular One, and at The Bone & Joint Clinic for 30 plus years.
Karen was a friend to all and loved her family and friends fiercely. She often was the one to reach out to friends and family, and always remembered birthdays. Karen was a hard worker and a fantastic employee. She was deeply appreciated and respected by her coworkers. Karen was one of a kind. She loved listening to music, driving and cleaning her cars, traveling, going to Pat O'Brien's with Francis on weekends, attending her nephew and niece's ball games and events, and gathering with family. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her. Her life will be celebrated. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Alzheimers Association in memory of her father, David Bahlinger. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, June 23, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East (11000 Florida Blvd). A funeral mass will take place on Friday, June 24, at 10:00 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church (11441 Goodwood Blvd). To view and sign the guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com.
