Leader Publications

Born: Dec. 18, 1949

Died: Nov. 22, 2012

Karen Marie Biskner-Stokes, 62, of Niles, passed away at the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Roseland on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012.

Biskner-Stokes

Karen was born on Dec. 18, 1949, to the late George R. and Delores E. (Hebestreit) Biskner in Detroit.

On Dec. 18, 1992, Karen wed John Stokes at a ceremony in Niles. Karen loved all animals, especially her cats and dogs — so much so that her work history was as a veterinary assistant at Roseland Animal Hospital and the Cat Care Clinic.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband, John; stepchildren, John Stokes II and Melissa (Brian) Shumaker; siblings, Anthony (Sheila) Biskner, of Apopka, Fla.; Cheryl McKelvey, of Brighton, Colo.; and Cynthia Biskner, of South Bend, Ind.; a niece, Sarah (Brian K.) Salaver; and a nephew, Jimmie McKelvey.

A private mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles followed by a public time of visitation at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, from 1 until 2 p.m. with a graveside committal service at 2 p.m.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so in Karen’s name to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 641 S. Crystal Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

Those wishing to upload a photo of Karen or leave a message of condolence for her family may do so on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home of Niles.