Karen S. Zeller, 78, of Traverse City, passed away September 3, 2023.
Karen was born on May 31, 1945 to the late Alfred and Dorothy (Karrick) Kurth in Detroit, MI. From a young age she had a keen interest in books and eventually turned the interest into a profession earning a Master's Degree and became a Librarian until retirement in the Detroit Public Library.
Karen, also known as "Pinky" to some, loved to shop, to eat out and listen to music ~ all kinds. She enjoyed reading, needlework, travel including cruises; but if you asked her one of her favorite trips was to the Smokey Mountains.
Karen was a longtime member of the Elk's Club and an Eagles Ladies Auxiliary member and past president holding the position for two consecutive years.
She was a friend to all and a wealth of knowledge both in and out of the library. After losing her previous husband she happened upon a dating sight and found herself a suitor from Boyne City - his stipulation being that he wanted to date someone within 50 miles. She greeted him with a hello on the first date of coffee and dinner in Traverse City and he replied "it's 62 miles." Soon after, the romance blossomed and in 2008 they were wed. Scott and Karen spent many fond years, living, loving and laughing.
Karen is survived by her husband Scott, her sons Lindel (Charles) Salow, Matthew (Wendy) Salow and Jeffrey (Tracy) Zeller, daughter Suzanne Bredernitz, as well as grandchildren; Chad, Madison, Carissa, Courtney and Karli.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her former husband Delbert Salow.
A memorial gathering will take place on September 30, 2023 at the Eagles.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the Cowell Cancer Treatment Center or the American Cancer Society.