Karen Avadale Showmaker Gaertner, 66 of Decatur, went home to sing in a heavenly choir on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016. She was born the daughter of the late Harry and Ava Dale Showmaker of Missouri on December 14, 1949. March 25, 1972 she married her lifetime love, Arthur Gaertner.
Karen was a joy to be around and showed God’s love to everyone she met. Through her passion for teaching, she influenced the lives of countless students. As a friend, she was always the shoulder on which to lean. Karen was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she sang and led worship in the contemporary service. She treasured her time spent at the lake and camping.
She was a wonderful, loving and selfless mother, always putting the needs of others above herself. But her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment were her six grandchildren. She loved them beyond measure and would light up talking about them.
Karen is survived by her husband, Arthur; her children Martha (Brian) Thomas, Jeremy (Katie), and Erica (Alan) Hoskins; and her grandchildren Jake, Walker, Skylar, Savannah, Meagan, and William; and her brothers Lee (Jean) Showmaker, and Phil (Julie) Showmaker; and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church from 4 -7 pm Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016. The funeral will immediately follow the visitation at 7. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Carridale St SW, Decatur AL 35601.
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