Born on October 4, 1956, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, Karen was the beloved daughter of Donald Garrit and Joy Ann (née McPherson) Townsend. She was raised and went through her schooling in East Detroit, now known as Eastpointe.
On July 20, 1979, Karen married the love of her life, Robert Harris Gysel. Together they built a loving home and shared over 41 years of marriage until Robert’s passing on December 23, 2020.
Karen worked for several years as a circuit board builder for Code Alarm. However, the role she cherished most was that of wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and caretaker to her beloved dog, Sadie. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family and watching it continue to grow.
Known for her kind heart and unwavering love for those closest to her, Karen was deeply family-oriented and always willing to lend a helping hand. She was genuine, honest, and never afraid to speak her mind. Her unfiltered sense of humor and candid personality brought laughter to those around her and were among the many qualities her family loved most about her.
Karen was also a woman of Catholic faith and attended mass at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sterling Heights. Her faith, compassion, and devotion to her loved ones will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Karen is survived by her loving children, Brad, Brian (Sarah), and Ryan; beloved grandchildren, Kayla, Katie, Bobby, Gabbi, Brian Jr., Brenden, and Carter; and adored great-grandchildren, Mira and Marilyn. She is also survived by her dear siblings, Tim (Jodi) Townsend and Lisa Passino; niece, Amanda Passino; and nephew, Matthew Townsend.
She is reunited with her husband, Robert Gysel, and her parents, Donald and Joy Townsend.
Visitation for Karen will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of her funeral service at 4:00 PM, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038.
