Obituary of Karen Schiessl

Karen M. Schiessl, 45, of Washington Township, NJ, died Thursday, January 29, 2009 at home. She was born in Summit, NJ, daughter of Peter J and the late Helen (Dalziel) Schiessl. Karen graduated from Westfield High School, Westfield, NJ. She worked on several horse farms most of her life. She was also a professional artist specializing in horse and dog portraits. Survivors:Along with her father, Peter J. Schiessl of Washington, she is survived by her sister Vivian and her husband Thomas Steuterman, niece Katharine and, nephew Gregory Steuterman of Medina, OH, her uncle Donald Schiessl of Elizabeth, NJ and many friends. Services: A memorial service will be held at a future date. Memorials: Arrangements have been entrusted to DeVoe Funeral Service, Inc., 136 W. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. Online condolences may be expressed at www.devoefuneral.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to The Exceller Fund, Inc., PO Box 33274, Granada Hills, CA 91394, www.excellerfund.org. Tributes: Tribute from: Gail Knight I knew Karen through her love of Thoroughbreds and our mutual community of racing enthusiasts. Karen will be missed for her passion and devotion to the horses she loved, but she will live on through her extraordinary artwork. Karen...see you in the winners circle. Tribute from: Joan & Joe Atrashewski Karen was a delightful, unique, talented young woman, and our prayers are with you as you mourn her loss. May God be with you all and bring you comfort in the many wonderful memories that you share. Much Love, Joan & Joe Karen, the one person that was always there, never sad no and loved her horses. A great person but even a beter friend ! Thanks Karen for every thing and more !! Love ralphie Gloria called me yesterday and told me that Karen had passed away. Pete, I cannot tell you how sad Charlie and I are to hear this, just awful, news. Gloria had told me a while ago that she was ill but I did not realize that she was so ill. Dear God, January has been an awful month for deaths!!! This just should not happen to a young person so full of life as Karen was. From a young girl playing around the house and with all her animals and fish she was always so full of joy. I do not ever remember her ever complaining or moaning like a lot of the kids did, and when we would go over to visit your house, she was always, always so glad to see you and lead you to something new that you or Helen had given or made her. I am sure you and Vivian and the rest of the family feel lost. You know that Helen was there to welcome her with open arms and I really believe that our animals will meet us in heaven when we die so can you imagine all the animals that will be running to see her. What a picture that must be... Please stay in touch and let us know if you plan any service or memorial service. I pray that God will comfort you at this time, Pete and Vivian. Peace and Prayers, Margaret and Charlie Burgdorf. Dear Pete and Vivian, We are so sorry for your loss. Karen was a special person. I still remember her giving the neighborhood kids rides in her buggy. Wishing you peace and love in sorrowful times. Love Diane and Ralph Holzmiller Dear Uncle Pete, Vivian and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss today. Aunt Margaret had called to tell me the news. Last I had heard Karen was doing well and in good spirits. I'm so sorry to be so out of touch. Times just fly by. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Karen was very special to me and to my ceramic classes.I will always apprieciate her wonderful talent. Love, Beth Tribute from: Kim Burd To The Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I understand how difficult it is when a loved one passes away. What helps me to cope is Acts 24:15 because it promises us we'll see our dead loved ones again in the near future. Please accept my sincere condolences. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers Tribute from: Mr and Mrs Guerriero and son Albert We all touch each others lives in some way and Karen certainly touched ours. She was a friend that Albert treasured even though they had lost touch in recent years. One of our special memories of Karen was how she surprised our two grandsons when she pulled up in front of our house in Garwood with her horse and buggy to give them a ride. They were thrilled. How like Karen to be that thoughtful. To her father and family we hope that all of your memories with Karen will be a comfort in the days ahead. Please advise us as to when the memorial service will be as we would try to attend.