Karin Marie Prather

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Karin Marie Prather, on October 20, 2025. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose faith, kindness, patience, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Born on February 7, 1945, in Wyandotte, Michigan, Karin was a cherished daughter of Fritz and Doloris (Betty) Jakob. She grew up in a close-knit family with her siblings, Kevin, Fred, Denise Badera, James (Mick), Keith, and Monica Mayo, who were not only her siblings but also lifelong friends.

Karin was the beloved wife of Kermit Prather, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and faith. Their love story, built on trust, mutual respect, and devotion, served as a guiding example for their children and all who knew them.

As the mother of seven children, she devoted her life to raising her family with love, compassion, and wisdom. Her children, Richard, James, Deborah, William, Robert, Donald, and Steven, along with 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. In 1978, Karin was literally named ‘Mother of the Year’ in a Des Moines, Iowa, newspaper.

A devout Catholic, Karin had an unwavering devotion to her faith, particularly her love for Mary, the Mother of Jesus. She was a constant source of spiritual strength for her family, and her prayerful presence in their lives will be deeply missed. She lived her life with grace, humility, and a deep sense of compassion, always putting others before herself.

Karin was lovingly known by her grandchildren as a ‘beast’ because she ‘just never stopped’. At 80 years old, she relentlessly served and loved on whoever the Lord brought to her that day. She loved gardening, including building sheds and planters for her Madonna, playing baseball with the grandbabies, cutting the grass, cooking meals, baking, and attending church services, all while being the primary caregiver to her dear husband, Kermit.

One quirk many didn’t know about Karin was that she was well-known for donating to many charities and then sharing the keepsakes, such as cards, jewelry, crosses, rosaries, and calendars. Her love and prayerful devotion shone through with every item shared.

Throughout her life, Karin was known for her kind heart, selfless spirit, and graceful meekness. However, make no mistake, she was a force to be reckoned with and had a stubborn streak when she knew what she wanted.

Her nurturing spirit and the love she gave so freely will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love of Our Blessed Mother and the grace of God.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:30 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Florida, 33618, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:30 pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 3207 W. Bearss Ave, Tampa, Florida, 33618.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor. Alzheimer's Association Donor Link

https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNJVLBQDHC?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_bing&msclkid=907c1978991f162920f8707e3e49c122