Sharon Kay Karel's Obituary
Sharon Kay Karel, age 85, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026. She was born February 1, 1941, in Muskegon, to Elmer and Minnie (Pranger) Lubbers. Sharon graduated from Muskegon High School in 1959. She married Cornelius W. “Neil” Karel on June 21, 2014, in Muskegon, and they shared many happy years together before his passing on December 18, 2020.
Sharon began her career as a file clerk with Shaw Walker in Muskegon. Her journey later took her to Ormond Beach, Florida, where she worked managing condominiums for several years. She eventually settled in Nashville, Tennessee, where she spent 17 years working at a golf course and at the airport before retiring in 2010 and moving back to Muskegon.
An active and adventurous spirit, Sharon enjoyed spending time outdoors, riding her scooter, gardening, caring for her flowers, crafting, bowling, golfing, and traveling with Neil. Above all, she was known for her playful sense of humor, her knack for stirring up harmless mischief, and her ability to make those around her laugh.
SURVIVORS include her sister, Judy Pierce; sisters-in-law, Ruth Lubbers-Webster and Martha “Marty” (Rich) Addison; nephews, Rick Lubbers, Scott (Stephanie) Lubbers and their family, Lauren and Alex, Tighe (Tracy) Pierce and their family, Paige and Trista, and Brett (Traci) Pierce and their family, Cora and Weston; stepchildren, Carlena (Ben) Garcia and Christopher (Juli) Karel; step grandchildren, Alexa Karel, Drake Karel, Christopher Garcia, Maya Garcia, Alberto, Aroldo Garcia, and Denia Garcia; several step great-grandchildren.
Sharon was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Al Lubbers, and brothers-in-law, Steve Pierce and Clarence “Bunk” Webster.
A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Discovering Christ Church (formerly Fifth Reformed Church, 2330 Holton Rd., Muskegon, MI 49445) in the Family Life Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Harbor Hospice Foundation will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com
Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
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