Ishpeming - Karen Cecile Blau, age 82, lifelong resident of Ishpeming was called home by her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 6, 2021 while surrounded by her loving family and in the care of UP Home Health and Hospice

Karen was born on February 16, 1938 in Ishpeming, Michigan to the late Mirium (Keto) and Guy Alderton. Karen had received her high school diploma through the Community Schools program. She married Ken Blau on March 12, 1955 and they lived and raised their family in Ishpeming in their 66 years together.

Karen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Karen's favorite place to be was their camp, on Lake Arfelin, as much as possible and where her family celebrated Christmas every year. Karen was an active member of Faith Lutheran church when she started attending church at eight years old, on her own. She participated in the choir for 70 years, taught Sunday School, attended Circle, helped serve funeral luncheons and served in many other ministries.

Karen enjoyed ice skating, cross country skiing, bicycling, side by side rides in the woods, hiking, bowling, and snowmobiling. Karen and Ken enjoyed hosting weekly Friday night square dance gatherings in the basement of their home and joining friends in their motorcycle club for rides. They have, also, travelled to all 50 of the United States.  Karen was the glue that kept her family together.

Karen is  survived by her husband of 66 years, Ken Blau of Ishpeming; son, Kerry (Tammie) Blau of Sturgeon Bay, WI; daughter, Kathy (Jeff) Swanson of Ishpeming; 6 grandchildren – Terrie (Logan) Tlachac, Philip Swanson, Travis (Katelyn) Swanson, Katelynn (Hunter) Elenbaas, Tanya Blau, Kenzie Blau; 4 great grandchildren – Paisley, Axel, Winter and Olive; sisters - Carolyn (Lester) Hendrickson of AZ; Patricia Kaleva of Republic; brother Terry (Kristine) Alderton of Negaunee; sisters-in-law Darlene (John) Thomas, Rosalie Alderton, Sandy Blau; along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Karen was preceded in death by her parents, 4 sisters - Mary Beth Lawhorn, Lucille Bredeson, Vivian Matthews, Sally Siik; 2 brothers - Kenneth and Fredrick Allan Alderton

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Wayne Carlson, Dr. Brian Burnette, Green Bay Oncology Team, UP Hospice and Home Health and Pastor Stacy Pethke who compassionately cared for Karen and her family.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am – 11:00am on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the Faith Lutheran Church, 180 Co Rd PPO, Ishpeming.  A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00am on Saturday with the Rev. Stacy Pethke to officiate.  A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please offer your donations to Faith Lutheran Church, 180 Co. Rd. PPO, Ishpeming, MI 49849, supporting the technology that shares the word of God beyond their building walls.

Karen's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.