DEFIANCE, OHIO – Karen K. Bowling, age 83, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025. She was born on November 1, 1941, in Defiance, Ohio to Gerald George and Evelyn Elizabeth (Schaufele) Foss. She graduated from Defiance High School in 1959 and later graduated from the Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1962. Karen married Larry Nelson Bowling on November 17, 1962 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Together they had two sons and were married 50 years.
Karen was a gifted care giver. Throughout her career as a registered nurse, Karen worked everywhere from ER to OB, and she often fondly remembered some of the lives she touched along with the lives that touched hers. She retired from Community Memorial Hospital in 2000, after 25 years of service.

In 1981, Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy, becoming a cancer survivor. In an effort to support others on their own cancer journeys, Karen was active in cancer support groups such as Robin Redbreast support group and served as a facilitator with the Living with Cancer Support Group for 26 years. In this time, she supported innumerable men and women and their families through their own battles, and made lifelong friends like Pat Baden, Sharon Ferrell, and many others. Karen was also an avid supporter of Sherwood Friends of the Library, Friends of Felines Rescue Center, and she served on the Pack Committee for Cub Scouts Pack 139. Karen was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Defiance, OH. Outside of work and community service, Karen enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren; Wednesday morning coffees and book club with the church ladies, and quiet afternoons spent reading and snuggling with her cat, Cuddles.

In addition to her parents, Karen is preceded in death by her husband; her son, Dale (Julia) Bowling; many beloved aunts and uncles, brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews; many dear nursing school friends, and Cuddles, the cat.

Left to forever cherish her memory are her son Timothy (Rachael) Bowling; four grandchildren, Melissa (Kenneth) Kosovich, Mitchell Bowling, Emma Bowling, and Sean Bowling; daughters-in-law, Julia Moravcsik, Wendy (Randy) Pearson, and Barbara Bennett; close family friend, Toby Phillips; and many other friends and family.

The family will receive friends at Zion’s Lutheran Church, 1801 E. 2nd St. Defiance, OH, on Wednesday, September 17. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11 PM with Pastor Tom Zulick officiating.

Karen had requested that there be no flowers for her funeral service. For those who wish to do so, Karen’s memory is best honored by making memorial contributions to Sherwood Friends of the Library, www.defiancelibrary.org/contact/, or to Friends of Felines Rescue Center, www.fofrescue.org/things-we-need, or Zion’s Lutheran Church. Donor envelopes will be provided at the funeral. However, if you prefer to send flowers, they may be delivered to the church on Wednesday from 8–10 AM. For additional information and to view Karen’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.

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