Karen Olson Mitchell

Karen, the first child of Ken and Mary Helen Olson, was born April 15, 1937 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. After World War II, her parents moved the growing family to Traverse City where Karen and her four siblings—Ann, John, Jim and Eric—grew up surrounded by the beauty of northern Michigan. She graduated from Traverse City High School and then attended Michigan State University where she majored in vocal music. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Karen’s life-long passion was always her love of music. Her other passion, was a “handsome” young man named Sam, whom she met on a blind date in Traverse City, and spent the next 62+ years together, raising a beautiful family. After getting married in TC and finishing school at MSU, Karen and Sam moved to Birmingham, Michigan, where she enjoyed participating in community musical theatre. Whether she was writing and directing shows for her kids and their classmates, or playing the starring role of Laurey in Oklahoma!—she loved music! She joined a singing group called the Potpourri Singers in the 70’s, taught piano lessons and sung in the Birmingham Methodist Church choir throughout her years in Birmingham. Her creative nature also led her to become an Interior Designer, whose talents were on display in their many beautiful homes. Karen and Sam were always very active socially, making many lifelong friendships from Merry Mates in Birmingham to the 21 Club in Traverse City. Wherever she went, Karen’s beauty and natural grace, her warmth and lovely smile, were always on full display. Moving to Traverse City in 1990, she designed the family’s “retirement home” on Long Lake. Later, Sam and Karen bought a villa at the Villages, where they spent winters, enjoying golf, playing bridge with Traverse City friends, and meeting many new friends. Of all of Karen’s accomplishments, she was most proud of her family. The years passed by happily with a growing family who spent time together enjoying boating, golf, biking, hiking and each other’s company. Finally moving to Port of Old Mission, Karen was close to First Congregational Church, where she sang in the choir and served on the esthetics committee. She also joined the Old Mission Women’s Club and enjoyed serving others with her daughter Linda. In full circle, she was president of Grand Traverse Musicale, an organization dedicated to recognizing and nurturing young musical talent with scholarships—just as Karen had received in her youth. She is survived by her husband Samuel J. Mitchell of 62 years on August 16, their three children, Linda Mitchell (Larry) Sommerville, Samuel J. (Beth) Mitchell, Jr. and Michael S. (Karen) Mitchell; Grandchildren: Mitch Sommerville, Katie (Aaron) Koronkowski, Karly Mitchell, Maddie Mitchell, Abby Mitchell, Alex Mitchell, and Andres Mitchell; Great Grandchild: Olivia Rose Koronkowski; her siblings: Ann (Charlie) Littlefield, John (Carolyn) Olson, Jim (Judy) Olson, Eric (Joyce) Olson, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Karen was proceeded in death by her parents, Ken and Mary Helen Olson. A memorial Service will take place at 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, August 15, 2020 in the Memorial Garden at First Congregational Church of Traverse City. A casual, COVID-safe, Celebration of her Life will take place at Bowers Harbor Park, immediately following the church ceremony. If you would like to make a memorial gift in Karen’s name, contributions are suggested to Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, First Congregational Church, or Grand Traverse Musicale. Please share your memories and thoughts with Karen’s family by visiting her online tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Karen Olson Mitchell

April 15, 1937 - August 12, 2020