Karen Gutner

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Gutner (nee Katz). She loved life and cookies, and she loved her big circle of family and friends, starting with the Groveland girls and continuing with the ones she kept making throughout her life. Her greatest pride was being called Nana K. She was a devoted sister, friend, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She fought through many tough times, but she did so with humor, and she often said, “I can handle anything”. Her life came to an end on September 14, 2025 but she will live on in the memories of all who knew her. She passed away at the age of 83.

Karen was born on May 14, 1942 to Samuel and Florence Katz in University Heights, OH. After graduating from Heights High, she went on to major in Home Economics at Miami University and Kent State. After graduation, she returned to Cleveland where she met and married Michael Baskind. They had two children, David and Scott.

After divorcing Michael, Karen met and married Robert Gutner. They lived their lives together with music, love and laughter in South Euclid and Lyndhurst, Ohio until Bob’s death in 2015.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents Sam and Flo Katz, as well as Mike Baskind and Bob Gutner. She is survived by her brother Howard (and his wife Mimi, their son, Daniel Jesse and his wife Regina and their sons Jacob and Joseph), son David (and his wife Kelly and daughter Olivia), son Scott (and his wife Hayley and their children Joshua, Jason (and Nadia), and Hannah), and stepchildren Tammi (and her husband Max Holland and their daughter Nora) and Todd (Kelsea) Gutner.

Karen was known for her warm and caring personality. She had a generous heart, always caring greatly about people who were going through difficulties. She was always there for everyone needing assistance or companionship. Her kindness and thoughtfulness touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Nana K's memory will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her legacy as a mother and grandmother and friend will endure, and her spirit will continue to inspire us all. In our hearts, she lives on, and we will forever remember the legacy of a special woman who brought joy and compassion to so many people.

A graveside funeral service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 17th at 1:00pm at the Mount Olive Cemetery in Solon. The family will be sitting shiva at the Baskind residence at 637 Eaton Drive in Aurora immediately following the service until 8:00 pm, Thursday from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Friday from 12:00 - 5:00 pm.

Arrangements were entrusted to Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel.