Karen Kay Peconge

Karen Kay Peconge, age 83, of Harlan, Indiana passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025. She was born July 4, 1942, in Fort Wayne to the late Harold W. and Alouse (Wilson) Ayres. Karen attended Elmhurst High School and married the late Harold D. Peconge on August 19, 1972, in Fort Wayne. She dedicated 21 years to Fort Wayne Community Schools, and 28 years to the Fort Wayne Country Club prior to her retirement in 2007.

Karen had a love for animals and nature, whether gardening, feeding the birds, caring for her beloved cats, adding figurines to her elephant and angel collection, and trips to the winery. When indoors, she could often be found crocheting or in the kitchen - she was an amazing cook, particularly her fried chicken, and enjoyed canning produce from her garden. Karen deeply loved her family, always giving, always providing, and cherished time spent with them, especially the grandkids, and lived life to the fullest.

Karen was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 3512, American Legion Post 82, and Army/Navy Garrison 57.

Karen is survived by her daughters, Tammy (Richard) Lally of Mountain Rest, S.C. and Misty Peconge of Hicksville, Ohio; sons, Tim Peconge of Miami, Oklahoma; Thomas Peconge of Fort Wayne and Doug Peconge of Harlan; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and sister, Dawn Campbell. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald Ayres and Richard Ayres; grandson, Brian Markel; and great-grandchild, Jemma Eicher.

Funeral Service is 10:30 am, Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana with calling one hour prior. Friends and family will also be received 4 - 7 pm on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the funeral home. Entombment at Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Myaamia Heritage Foundation.