Karen Kathleen Like-Nippert

Karen was born on March 17, 1948, in Lima, OH to Eugene and Bonita (Schwab) Kuhlman formerly of Holgate, OH. Karen was the eldest of nine children.

Karen was a 1966 graduate of Holgate High School, and then went on to attend St. Vincent’s to obtain her degree in nursing. Karen spent her entire career as a registered nurse for over 40 years – working in labor and delivery, medical and surgical, hospice, family medicine and pediatrics, and orthopedics and sports medicine. Karen retired from nursing in 2010, but maintained some of her dearest friendships that she worked with during her career. Outside of work, Karen enjoyed flower gardening, reading, travelling, watching sports, dancing, listening to music, and especially creating memories with family and friends.

Karen was a woman of tremendous faith whose love of God and her reflection of his image were so apparent to all that had the privilege to know and cross her path. Karen has numerous admirable qualities, but her caring and compassionate spirit, her selflessness, sense of humor and her beautiful soul shone through. She was a loving and very involved grandmother that included story-telling, chasing the grandkids around the house when they were young, going with them to the pool, and always laughing. Karen was a true gift from God.

On November 28, 1968, Karen married John Like and they went on to have two children. They were married 25 years and instilled a foundation of faith and Christian values into their home. Karen and John remained friends until the end.

On July 9, 2010, Karen re-married Russel Nippert, who passed away on April 11, 2022. Karen died on what would have been their 12th wedding anniversary.

Surviving are a daughter, Wendy Like Johnston of Jacksonville, FL; a son Daniel (Lindsay) Like of Dublin, OH; four grandchildren, Caroline Johnston, Brooke Johnston, Jack Like and Lauren Like; a sister Christine (Joe) Ricica, Defiance, OH; six brothers, Mike (Linda) Kuhlman, Findlay, OH, John (Annette) Kuhlman, Defiance, OH, Greg (Josie) Kuhlman, Napoleon, OH, Tom (Kelly) Kuhlman, Pensacola, FL, James (Tami) Kuhlman, Defiance, OH, Tony (Beth) Kuhlman, Napoleon, OH; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding her in death was her husband Russ, her parents, an infant brother Gregory, a son-in-law Thomas Johnston, an uncle, John Schwab, and a niece Brooke Rothman.

It was Karen's final wish that her body be donated to Ohio State for education and research for the study of lung diseases. She was truly a selfless and giving person in her life and in her death.

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A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 19 at Schoedinger Dublin on 5980 Perimeter Drive. A reception and visitation with the family will follow the service from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center – Dr. James Allen Pulmonary Research Fund: https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/?fund=317286