Karen Elizabeth (Meyers) Harkness

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

Karen Elizabeth (Meyers) Harkness, age 76, passed away May 5^th, 2020 in Mount Vernon, Ohio.  Karen was born November 5^th, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Crystal Rock, Ohio. Karen was a graduate of Margaretta High School, she married her lifelong love, Laurence “Doug” Harkness Sr. on June 26, 1965 in Venice, Ohio who proceeded her in death in 2016. Karen worked at the Fremont Eagles where she met and made wonderful friends with whom she held dear to her heart.

Karen was a strong, independent, witty, beautiful woman. First and foremost, Karen was a loving mother of two children, Angie and Doug, a grandmother of five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren with whom she spent her days making smile, laugh, and feeling loved. Karen, if anything was present, was always in the audience of choir concerts and musicals as well as cheering in the stands of baseball, softball, and football games. Karen always put family first and expressed her love for her family in always saying “We are nice people until someone messes with our family.” This is just a representation of the sincere yet frank woman she was. Karen should be remembered for her constant witty humor, family devotion, and most importantly her strength and persistence through all life had to throw at her. Karen will be missed by all those who knew her as she had an impact on everyone she met; however, we will all carry her and her memory in our hearts every day.

Karen is survived by her two children: Angela (Dallas) Barnard of Howard, Ohio, and Laurence “Doug” (Lavina) Harkness Jr. of Fremont, Ohio; grandchildren Alissa (Cody) Mathias, Nathan (Alyssa Contreras) Barnard, Laurence “TJ” (Lauren) Harkness III, Riley, and Trenton Harkness. Karen is also survived by her seven great-grandchildren, brother Randall (Carolyn) Gittinger of Melmore, Ohio. Also surviving is Karen’s sisters-in-law Sandra (Jack) Weaver and Linda Sorg both of Fremont, Ohio.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved dog Heidi, and her husband Laurence Douglas Harkness Sr.  

Services and burial at Four Mile House Cemetery will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Ohio Kidney Foundation, 3100 W. Central Ave., Suite 150, Toledo, Ohio, 43606, or http://www.kfnwo.org/

Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fremont, Ohio, has the honor of assisting Karen’s family during this difficult time. If you would like us to add your name to the family’s online register you may call us at 419-332-7391, You may also express online condolences and view Karen’s Tribute Video by visiting www.hermanfh.com.