Karel Kearl

Karel Kearl passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024 in Portage IN. Lovingly remembered by her son Jason and her daughter Rebecca. Karel was raised in a small town called Round Valley, Utah. She graduated from high school 2 years early at the age of 16 and went to college in Salt Lake City and became a secretary. Karel had two children, Jason and Rebecca Payne.

Karel carved out her life pursuing a career in construction management. She worked for the army corps of engineers in Denver Colorado and eventually ended up at US Steel Gary Works in Indiana. Karel retired in 1995 and became self-employed as an investor in the real estate and stock market.

She then became very involved in her community known as Ogden Dunes, IN. She volunteered for the fire department, studied for her EMT certificates and became a first responder in Ogden Dunes. She became a member of the Lions club, later to become the first woman president of the OD Lions Club in 2010.

Education was extremely important to Karel. She provided college education for both her children as well as her grandchildren. Her son, Jason graduated from Columbia University and her daughter Rebecca graduated from Purdue University.

Karel Kearl was an incredible, independent, selfless, witty, intelligent woman. Her memory will live on with those she’s touched….

She is survived by her son, Jason Kearl (Molly) Payne; her daughter, Rebecca (Matthew) Payne; two brothers, Douglas Kearl and Clint (Christine) Kearl; four grandchildren, Finnian Payne, Shelby Payne- Gall, Jacob Lopez and Savannah Payne Gall and many other loving family members and friends

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Kearl, mother, Mona (nee Pugmire) Kearl, and sister, Linda Shearman.

Per Karel’s wishes there will be no services held. Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel and Cremation Services 5341 Central Ave. Portage, Indiana 46368 are entrusted with cremation. (219)762-3013 Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.