Karen Lynn (Keiser) Ruehl

Karen Lynn Ruehl (née Keiser), born March 7, 1956, in Gary, Indiana, to Kenneth Keiser, Sr. and Helene Jursic Keiser, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Karen met the love of her life, David Ruehl, at Stardust Bowl II in Merrillville, Indiana. Their connection was immediate—after just three months of dating, they became engaged and were married one year later on October 22, 1977. Together they celebrated 44 years of marriage and built a life centered on love, commitment, and family.

Karen was a devoted mother, always making her children her priority. She was actively involved in the Stardust Bowl Youth Program, serving as both Secretary and Coach for over 30 years, touching countless young lives through her dedication and encouragement. She also worked in the gift shop at Cracker Barrel and as a floral designer for Lake County Greenhouse, where her creativity and warmth shone through her work.

Karen never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to build an instant connection with anyone she encountered. Her kindness, generosity, and welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Nicole (Derek) Oswald; her son, Matthew (Lauren) Ruehl; her cherished granddaughter, Corrine Oswald; her sister, Debbie Pullins; and her nephew, Shane (Rachel) Pullins, along with numerous extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Ruehl; her mother, Helene Keiser; her brother, Kenneth Keiser Jr.; and her father, Kenneth Keiser Sr.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322.

Services will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Karen’s legacy lives on through the family she loved fiercely and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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