Karen L. Schertz

Metamora – Karen L. Schertz, 66, of Metamora, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 after a short stay at Unity Point Health – Proctor in Peoria. She was born on February 17, 1954 in Indianapolis, IN to George and Sarah (Austin) Ramsey. She married Larry Schertz on October 16, 1976 in Mitchell, IN. He survives.

Karen is also survived by her two daughters, Annie Schertz (Ravn) and Amanda (Andreas) Larsen, both of Metamora; daughter-in-law, Cheri (Justin Hoffman) Schertz-Hoffman of East Peoria; five grandchildren, Micah, Axel, Levi, Isaac, and Caleb; sister, Georgia (Dennis) Gray of Greencastle, IN; mother-in-law, Orpha Schertz of Metamora; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved son, Zachary Schertz; grandchild; brother, Randy Ramsey; and father-in-law, Eugene Schertz.

Karen was a faithful member of Rock Church in East Peoria, where she volunteered in various capacities for over 20 years loving on and blessing all who knew her.

Karen’s calling and greatest joy in life was being a Proverbs 31 wife, mother, and Nana, and homeschooling her children and grandchildren for over 35 years. Homeschooling and training her children in the way of the Lord were so greatly important to them, that Karen and Larry began their business, Farm Country General Store in Metamora, serving the homeschool community worldwide for over 25 years.

She was an avid knitter and crocheter, and aside from lovingly making numerous hats, scarves, sweaters, toys, and blankets for her family and friends, her beautiful items are also stocked at several locally-owned shops and boutiques.

Indeed, her hands were never idle, and she showed love through the fruits of her labor in the kitchen, where she enjoyed cooking, baking, and canning. She loved serving others but most importantly the Lord and her family. She enjoyed hosting family, friends, her children and grandchildren’s friends, and strangers, all of whom she treated as her own.

Karen and Larry were involved in Cornerstone Music Festival in Bushnell IL for nearly 20 years, where they began the heartfelt ministry of cooking massive meals for their kids’ friends, bands, and any hungry belly that walked by. They hosted many bands in their home over the years as well, facilitating life-long relationships. She is a mom to many, a friend to most, all over the world, and will be missed beyond belief.

She was preceded in death by her Beloved son, Zachary, who she is now joyfully reunited with. What a great hope we have in Jesus, that all who call upon and confess His name will one day be together again in heaven; where we will feast, and weep no more.

There will be a private graveside service. Karen's memorial visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Rock Church, 1081 Upper Spring Bay Road in East Peoria, with a celebration of life service directly following. Pastor Chuck Tate will officiate. Cemetery arrangements made by Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Karen L. Schertz Memorial Fund care of Heartland Bank in Metamora.

Online condolences may be left for Karen's family at www.remmertfuneralhome.com.