Karen Ann "Kami" Kral's Obituary
Karen “Kami” Mersfelder Kral, 84, originally from Cleveland, OH, and longtime resident of Hendersonville, TN, died in Muskegon, MI, on November 25, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born in Cleveland, OH, on March 29, 1940 to Stanley Mersfelder and Florence Neidhardt Mersfelder. She attended the Andrews School for Girls before studying at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
In 1961, Kami married Joseph “Joe” Kral, forming a union that lasted over 50 years and produced two children, Steven and Cyndi. Kami and Joe had many adventures together taking them as far as Korea and Japan, and they enjoyed many summers as a family on Pelee Island, Ontario.
Kami was an Interior Designer and was the proud owner of Karen Kral Interiors, which she operated in Hendersonville, TN, for 14 years. She was known for her sharp artistic eye, and remained a painter throughout her lifetime.
No matter where she lived, Kami was involved in her community. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Cleveland, OH; Richmond, VA; Medford, NJ; Indianapolis, IN; and Hendersonville, TN. She was a committed leader in the Girl Scouts of America and was the Service Unit Chairman of Hendersonville for 4 years, as well as a committee member of the Cumberland Valley Girl Scout Council. She was a charter member of the Hendersonville Soccer League, the Hendersonville Samaritan Association, and Notes of Grace Via de Cristo of Middle Tennessee.
Kami was an active member of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Hendersonville, TN, until her move to Michigan. She was blessed to find a welcoming faith community at First Lutheran Church of Muskegon, MI.
Kami made and maintained numerous friendships, both life-long and brand-new, throughout her lifetime. She was a devoted friend and will be missed by many.
Kami was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Florence Mersfelder, a day-old unnamed infant brother, and her husband Joe Kral. She is survived by son Steven Kral, daughter Cyndi (Alan) Langlois, brother Rollie Mersfelder, granddaughter Allye (Jonathon), and grandson Brandon, and several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with countless friends.
A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church of Muskegon (1206 Whitehall Rd) at 10:30am Saturday, November 30. A catered lunch and celebration of life will follow. Please join us in sharing your favorite memories of Kami while breaking bread together.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Step Up Muskegon, First Lutheran Church of Muskegon, or the Hendersonville Samaritan Association.
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