Karen Elaine Kuuttila

Karen Elaine (Haralson) Kuuttila of Utica, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Karen was born on October 15, 1940, in Lake Linden, Michigan, to the late Agnes and Elmer Haralson.  She graduated from Lake Linden High School in 1958. Karen married Richard Kuuttila on June 22, 1963, at Charity Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan.  Richard died on November 9, 1985.

Karen is survived by her two daughters, Kara (Brian) Shuell and Kris (Matt) Gustke; grandchildren, Richard “RJ” (Sydney Wyatt) Macker, Nicole (Noah) Nicholl, Emily and Nathan Shuell; great-grandchildren, Nora and Lincoln; sister, Phyllis Gotch; sister-in-law, Nancy Haralson; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her siblings: Inez “Polly” (Arne) Kolehmainen, Verne “Sis” (Don) Macdonnell, Alice “Honey” (Reynold) Pearce, Elmer “Bud” (Lou) Haralson, Agnes “Betty” (Alvin) Godin, Ray (Lorette) Haralson, Joan Kuipers, Jim Haralson, Eva (Duane) Jasper; brothers-in-law, Bob Gotch and Paul Kuuttila; and sister-in-law, Laura Kuuttila.

Karen had a passion for travel, she made it a priority to go on numerous trips and vacations with both daughters, their families, and other family and friends.  She took great joy in being a part of the new experiences with her loved ones. Her laugh was contagious, once she started, it was too easy to join in and it always ended with everyone out of breath and a cheek to cheek grin. This woman loved her card games. Teaching her family many games throughout their lives. Euchre, kings, rummy, and garbage, just to name a few. She would teach you well but there was no such thing as letting you win. Karen loved her family fiercely and was dedicated to making sure they knew it. A birthday and holiday card in the mail was never missed. She would always be the first person to wish you a happy birthday, even if the phone call woke you up in the morning. She followed up every visit with a call or voicemail to share her thanks and appreciation.

Karen was not often one to spend hours in the kitchen, but she still was always trying to feed you! Whether it was making you take a snack or take you to dinner or simply give you money to go get food. It was one of her many love languages.

For the past several years, Karen called Northpoint Village of Utica her home. She made deep bonds with many people there and truly considered them part of her family. She participated in many activities there including Bingo, Rummikub, and much more.

Karen’s love and kindness towards others was always reciprocated, she will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 12-5pm at Northpoint Village of Utica 45201 Northpointe Blvd. Utica MI 48315

Memorial donations in Karen’s memory can be made to ALS of Michigan 24359 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 100 Southfield, MI 48075    ALSofMichigan.org