Karen Leslie Orth

Karen “Kiki” Anderson Orth entered this world on July 13, 1948, in Chicago, IL. She cherished her parents, Jean (Nelson) and Gilbert C. Anderson, and her siblings, Linda and Bruce. Karen was raised in Downers Grove, IL in the house built by her father Gil on Woodcrest Drive. Her father doted on her and when he found out she loved horses at a young age, he built a barn and bought her a horse of her own. She became an accomplished equestrian earning several blue ribbons over the years.

A single blind date in 1964 with Dan Schmidtke at Medinah Country Club changed the course of her life. He was the popular captain of the high school golf team and she was a quiet, studious girl who loved horses. They soon became high school sweethearts and married in 1965. They moved to Northern Illinois University after the birth of their daughter, Kristin Ann Schmidtke.

In the 1970’s Karen and her friends embraced the “hippie” lifestyle. They wore bell bottom jeans, fringed vests and drove on motorcycles to California. This is when she discovered her love of music, listening to Bob Dylan and Carly Simon. Among her closest friends were Adrienne, Diane, Bonnie and Gayle whose companionship brought great joy to her. They remained friends their entire lives.

During this time, Karen also realized she had a passion for connecting with and helping others and wanted to become a teacher. Karen was a proud graduate of Elmhurst College where she earned her BS in Education. She graduated Summa Cum Laud as a single mother and working two part time jobs. She worked as a first grade teacher for many years until her son, Craig Michael Orth, was born.

She felt extremely fortunate in life and believed she should give back more than she takes. She donated to several charitable causes focusing on child and animal welfare advocacy. As a friend and neighbor, Karen was known for seeking out those in need and offering quiet, steadfast support.

Of all her blessings, her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren: Ryan, Abbey and Haley Trippel; Emma, Paige and Zoe Orth. She was always there for every band concert, play performance and sporting event. The walls of her home were always covered in prized artwork from her grandchildren. When a grandchild called Kiki she was their biggest cheerleader and always ended the call with “you got this”. She was a lifelong crossword puzzle devotee and made sure to elicit the help of her grandchildren for their expertise in foreign languages, travel, medicine and pop culture.

Karen Leslie Anderson departed this life on October 18, 2025. Her legacy remains with us, one of faith, generosity, and devotion to those she loved.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Harbert Community Church, 6444 Harbert Rd., Sawyer, MI 49125. The family will greet friends following the service. Online condolence accepted at www.PikeFH.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman.