Karen Utley, age 63 of Lake Station, Indiana passed away Saturday, February 23, 2013. She was born on April 9, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois to the late George and Evelyn Quarnstrom. She was a longtime Lake Station resident. Karen was a longtime member of the Family Christian Center in Munster and served as a Pastor’s wife for many years. She also served as a teacher at the Portage Christian School. Karen loved her family very much and enjoyed having them to her home where she loved to cook for them.

She is survived by her loving husband, Pastor James Utley of Lake Station, IN; 1 son, Jim (Noelle) Utley of Chesterton, IN; 3 daughters, Tina (Curtis) Deaton of Mount Vernon , IL; Kim (Joe) Kenjic of Hobart, IN; Carla (Kirk) Gliebe of Skokie, IL; 1 brother, Julian (Luz) Quarnstrom of Hobart, IN; 2 sisters, Ava (Bill) Miller of Lake Station, IN; Pearl (Jerry) Albritten of Indianapolis, IN; 7 grandchildren, Rachel Gliebe, Matthew Gliebe, Ryan Thews, Alyse Thews, Tyler Kenjic, Connor Kenjic, and Trevor Utley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and nephew, Mario Ortiz.

Funeral services are Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with Pastor Mike Hendon officiating. Burial will follow at Blake Cemetery, Portage, IN. Visitation is Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. wake service at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. Call (219) 762-3013 or visit us online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.