Karen Welner Kappenman

Karen Welner Kappenman, 60, of Lakeland, FL, won her battle with cancer on Sunday, March 31, 2019 and is now Home. Karen was born to Charles and Barbara Welner on April 18, 1958, in Bangor, ME, and married her husband Patrick Kappenman in 1980. Karen received a Bachelor of Science from Maranatha Baptist University and later received a Master’s in Library Science from Simmons College. She was director of the Richard Salter Storrs Library in Longmeadow, MA, until she retired in 2017. She lived in Granby, MA before moving to Lakeland, FL in December of 2017. Karen is survived by her husband Pat, her beloved children Crystal (Justin) Otto, Joel Kappenman, Jeremy (Clare) Kappenman, Michael Kappenman, and her nine grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Barbara Welner of Sebring, FL, her two siblings, Randy (Natalie) Welner of Ludlow, MA and Beverly (Rich) Ehr of Grafton, WI, and her dear friend Toni Armson. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Welner, and her nephew, Randy Welner Jr. The family extends its deepest appreciation to the wonderful people of The City Church in Springfield, MA, and The King’s Church in Lakeland, FL, for their tireless support in her struggle with cancer. We also thank Jenny and Alison, the two ICU angels, who fought for her last hours. Karen was active in her church, loved her family and grandchildren, and loved her books. Those who knew her, remember her as a woman of wisdom and heroic faith in Christ. Visiting hours are scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Heath Funeral Chapel in Lakeland, FL. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 10:00 A.M. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Lakeland. Pastor Ian Thomas of The King’s Church in Lakeland will officiate the ceremony. The family suggests that any donations in Karen’s memory be made toward the Storrs Library, Longmeadow, MA. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! -Psalm 34:3