Karen Diane Whitmer

Karen D. “KW” Whitmer, 80, passed away, Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Stormont Vail Health Hospital in Topeka.

Karen Diane Ehrlich was born March 16, 1942 in Bunker Hill, Kansas, the daughter of William and Ruth LaVera (Deines) Ehrlich. She graduated from Dorrance High School in 1960.

Karen was joined in marriage to George M. Whitmer on June 2, 1962 in Russell, Kansas. To this union, three children were born, Amy, Jeff and Joel.  She was a homemaker for her family. She enjoyed making her own cards, quilting, painting and playing guitar. Her and George enjoyed fishing together.

She lived in Ellinwood until 2006 and then moved to Osage City to be closer to her children. She was a member of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Osage City. She belonged to WELCA and the Osage City Senior Center.

Karen will be forever remembered by her daughter, Amy Whitmer (Kim Schuetz) of Topeka; two sons, Jeff (Pam) Whitmer of Osage City and Joel (Susan) Whitmer of Gardner; a twin sister, Marlene Longnecker of Mulvane; two brothers, Randy (Carol) Ehrlich of Bunker Hill and Jim Ehrlich of Russell; three grandchildren, Kevin, Nicholas and Ally Whitmer and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, George.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Osage City. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Osage City, Kansas. Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the Dorrance City Cemetery in Dorrance, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to WELCA or the Karen D. Whitmer Memorial and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. 6th, Osage City, Kansas 66523. Condolences may be expressed at Vanarsdalefs.com.