Karen Martin Luetje

Karen Martin Luetje passed away January 3rd after a long and beautiful life. She was born on February 15, 1936 in Danville, Illinois to Ernest and Edithmarie Martin. Karen is survived by her husband of 65 years, Bob, and two daughters. Robin Adams (Mark) and Rhonda Luetje (Susan Taylor). Karen has been blessed with two grandchildren. Drew is a graduate of Purdue University, and Lily is a senior at the University of Michigan. She is also survived by a sister, Suzanne Eigel and several nieces and nephews. Karen graduated from John Greer High School - The Cornjerkers - in Hoopeston, Illinois. While in high school, she was active in band where she played the saxophone in many different groups and ensembles. She was active in choir and theater. While in high school, Karen was also active in 4H where she learned to be quite a seamstress! Following high school, Karen attended the University of Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation. She was an active member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and was a Fighting Illini Cheerleader for both football and basketball. Beautiful inside and out, Karen was on the Homecoming Court at the University of Illinois, Queen Candidate for the St. Patrick’s Engineering Ball, and was also selected as Sweet Corn Queen in Hoopeston, the Sweet Corn Capital of the World. Karen’s talent was playing the saxophone. Karen and Bob met at the University of Illinois. The first time Karen saw Bob, she said, “that’s the boy I’m going to marry.” And she was right! They attended many dances where Karen sewed her own beautiful gowns. Karen’s graduation from University of Illinois was on June 14, 1958. Ever efficient, Karen and Bob took advantage of the gathered family and held their wedding ceremony the very next day on June 15, 1958. While Bob finished his degree at Illinois, Karen secured a job teaching kindergarten for a year. After Bob graduated, they settled in Middletown, OH for Bob’s job at Armco Steel. Karen continued her teaching career at Carlisle High School where she taught Health and Physical Education. While at Carlisle, Karen coached GAA girl’s basketball, volleyball and cheerleading. On days where there weren’t other activities, you might see Karen and her teacher friends jumping on the trampoline after school! Once daughters Robin and Rhonda were born, Karen became a full-time mom. Along with being in the PTA and a Girl Scout Leader, Karen also was active planning water shows at the Hunter Hills Swim club, participated in the local Garden Club, and sang in the church choir. Karen and Bob loved to entertain - especially their White Elephant Bridge parties. After several goodwill mission trips to Japan in the P.R.O.M.I.S.E.S. choir, Karen and Bob fell in love with Japanese culture. They hosted a Japanese-themed party that was such an event that it even made a two-page spread in the Middletown Journal newspaper! Before the girls' high school schedules became hectic, Karen and Bob made camping and hiking a priority. The family started their camping life in a Volkswagen Bus complete with bunk beds and hammock across the front seat. Eventually they added a tent, then doubled-down by buying a used Airstream Trailer from Bob’s parents. The family enjoyed regular camping and hiking trips to state and national parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, and Turkey Run. They even embarked on two 3-week trips out west towing the Airstream. The WBCCI (Wally Byam Caravan Club International) also gave the family an opportunity to camp with LOTS of other Airstreamers at local and international rallies. After the girls graduated from college, Karen and Bob moved from Franklin, Ohio to Northville, Michigan for Bob’s job at Kolene. They loved the Michigan beauty and embraced the outdoor life of cross-country skiing and walking on shores by the many lakes. They also became involved in First United Methodist Church of Northville where Karen sang in the choir, was involved in the Red Hats, and participated in activities with The Amazing Grays. Karen and Bob moved to Fox Run senior retirement community in 2013. Karen jumped right in and made friends. She became active in the New Resident Welcome Committee designed to orient new residents, and was active in maintaining and working in the Treasure Chest. Most notably, Karen hosted an in-house TV show entitled “Behind Closed Doors” where she sought out residents with interesting hobbies and interests, scheduled interviews, wrote questions, and taped shows. Her hosting tenure lasted for 3 seasons and 73 episodes! Karen is a cheerleader to her core. When Robin and Rhonda were in school, she attended every tennis match and basketball game, and sat up front for every concert and play. She continued the tradition by bundling up to watch her grandchildren play soccer year-round, endured noisy sports bubbles for volleyball tournaments, and beamed with pride at concerts and dance recitals. Even at Fox Run, Karen cheered on the unique beauty of the people around her through her TV show and informally in many friends she made along the way. Gathering of family and friends will take place on Thursday Jan 25, 2024, from 4-7pm at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Novi. A Celebration of Life for Fox Run residents will be held on Friday January 26, 2024, from 10:00am until Noon at the Fox Run Derby Room. A memorial service for Karen will be held on January 27, 2024, at 11:00am at the Northville First United Methodist Church 777 West Eight Mile Northville MI. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service at Northville First United Methodist Church. Memorial donations may be made to Angela Hospice.

Karen Martin Luetje

February 15, 1936 - January 3, 2024