Karen Maurene Scharosch

Karen Maurene Scharosch (née Hanlon), 86, of Keizer, Oregon, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025. Born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Karen was the beloved daughter of Gerald Hanlon and Thelma Hanlon (née Frenzen). Raised in a hardworking farming family, Karen carried the values of faith, family, and dedication throughout her life.

On June 27, 1964, Karen married the love of her life, David Patrick Scharosch, in a union filled with devotion and love. David preceded her in death in 1985, and Karen now joins him at St. Barbara Cemetery in Salem, Oregon. Together, they raised five children, who were her greatest joy and lifelong pride:

Karen’s Children and Grandchildren

Jody (Jeff) Collins, and their children: Erin, David, and Natalie

Jill (Christoph) Ostendorp, and their children: Jared and Kyle

Janet Fery, and her daughter: Stephanie

John Scharosch, and his children: Hanna, Logan, Ella, and Macy

Jerry (Annika) Scharosch, and their children: Abigail, Isaac, and Elianna

Karen was also deeply proud of her siblings and extended family, who remained an important part of her life. She was a devoted sister to:

Benet Hanlon (Deceased)

Marcia (Jack, Deceased) Costello

Gene (LaVonne) Hanlon

Kevin Hanlon

Suella Hanlon

Ed Hanlon (Eric Weimer)

Karen graduated as Salutatorian of her senior class at Gering High School and went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado College. Karen taught in Dix, Nebraska and in Southern California.

A devoted Catholic, Karen was a longtime member and volunteer at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Keizer. She worked tirelessly to support her church community, contributing her time and talents to numerous activities and committees. As an unofficial welcomer, she encouraged those who were new to the parish and made sure they felt included in all church activities.

In her professional life, Karen and her husband David owned and operated a daycare center, Kiddie Kollege, in Salem, where she nurtured and inspired young children. She was later employed by the Salem/Keizer School District as a secretary and instructional assistant.

Karen was also musically gifted, with a special talent for playing the marimba in her early years. Her music brought joy to her family and community, a reflection of the spirited and passionate person she was.

Karen will be fondly remembered for her unwavering faith, her love for her family, and her dedication to her community. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and her legacy lives on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and all those she touched.

Funeral mass to celebrate Karen’s life will be held at St. Edward’s on January 31, 2025. Visitation at 9:30am, Rosary at 10:00am, and funeral mass at 10:30am. Karen will be interred at St. Barbara Cemetery in Salem, Oregon, where she will rest beside her beloved husband, David.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Community Services in Karen’s memory.