Karen Louise Fritz

Karen Louise Fritz, age 80, of Kendallville, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Kendallville Manor Health Care, where she had been a resident for the last twenty-one years.  Prior to moving to Kendallville, she resided in Columbus, Ohio, for fifty years.  She was admitted to Columbus State School, where she attended the Cerebral Palsy Center.  Karen’s life story is best told in her words.

“I was born on January 30, 1943, in Bryan, Ohio, the daughter of Fred E. and Flossie M. (Deal) Fritz and at birth was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, which affected my whole body.  As a child I wore braces on my legs and with much difficulty, over a period of years, learned to walk without them.  As I started into my teenage years, I was admitted into The Columbus State School and lived with different foster parents while attending the Cerebral Palsy Center.  While at the center, I was able to flourish alongside others with the same or similar disorders.  I loved to listen to Broadway musicals and can pantomime most of the tunes.  I even played the lead role in “Porgy and Bess” and “Little Abner,” both Cerebral Palsy Center productions.  In addition to my love of acting, I also enjoyed dancing, camping, parties, needlework, and bowling.  My friend Artie and I were such good dancers that we were able to entertain other members at our Palsy Center parties.”

“I have two younger sisters, Patricia, and her husband, Ashford, who live nearby, and Lynette, and her husband, Ron, who live in Florida, and several nephews and nieces.  Though I never really wanted to accept my handicap, with perseverance I have been able to overcome much of its complications and have been able to live a full life with a ready wit and a beautiful smile on my face.  Though I never got to write my book about my life with Cerebral Palsy, I hope that this gives you a little insight into my journey through life.”    

In keeping with family wishes, services will be private.  Private interment will take place next to her parents in Maple Grove Cemetery, Edgerton.

Krill Funeral Service, 114 East Hull Street, Edgerton, Ohio, has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family would like thank the Manor Health Care Center staff for the wonderful care provided to Karen for the last twenty-one years.

Memorials are requested to the Cerebral Palsy Center or to Kendallville Manor Health Care Center.