Karen Lee (Jakielek) Carlton of Ishpeming, Michigan, passed away at Grand Traverse Pavilions, Traverse City, Michigan, August 14, 2024.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 24, 1952 to Ernest and Beulah (Stevens) Jakielek. At the age of seven, she moved with her family to Cedar, Michigan. After high school graduation, Karen attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan and graduated with Bachelor's degrees in both Biology and Psychology.

Karen worked Dietary at Marquette General Hospital, while in college. After graduation, she worked for Alger Marquette Community Mental Health at the Brantly Drop-In-Center. Karen also volunteered at Meals-On-Wheels.

In 1982, Karen was briefly married to William Carlton.

Karen was musically inclined, played several different instruments, and sang a good alto. She was also artistic and painted in watercolors and oils, and wood burned intricate scenes. She enjoyed playing cards, loved animals, waterfalls and all the Upper Peninsula offered. In younger years, Karen played baseball and skied National Ski Patrol. In her later years, she "LOVED" watching the Tigers, Lions, and Packers.

Karen is survived by her siblings, Susan (Daniel) Davis, Gary (Linda) Jakielek, Craig (Lori) Jakielek, 3 nephews, 3 nieces, 3 great nephews, 2 great nieces, 2 great great nephews, along with an aunt, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law, and nephew.

Services for Karen are Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (visitation, one hour prior) at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St. Traverse City, Michigan.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Empire Twp., Michigan.