Karon Ann (Cowell) Schalau

Karon Ann (Cowell) Schalau of Hemlock MI, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Karon was born November 11, 1946 in Durand, MI to the late Albert and Muriel Cowell. She is survived by one sister, Cris (Les) Timmer of Imlay City and her husband of nearly 60 years, Rev. Gerald “Jerry” Schalau, their children and spouses: Gerald “Jerry” (Christine) Schalau II, Kathy (Steve) Scrivener, Roy (Megan) Fuson, their grandchildren: Kassandra Golm, Raegan Schalau, Gerald “Broghan” Schalau, Corey Fuson, Alexis “Lexi” Fuson, Mariah Fuson and Brookelynn Fuson, and one great-grandchild, Ryker Fuson, special grand-daughter, Tina (Justin) Gray, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Karon graduated in 1964 from Imlay City High School, where she met her husband-to be, Jerry Schalau. They married in 1965 and soon moved to Oklahoma where he served in the Army. Upon his honorable discharge, they moved to Lapeer, Michigan and became very active in Beulah Church of the Nazarene. She continued her service at the Marlette Church of the Nazarene and later at the Swan Valley Church of the Nazarene, before retiring from active volunteerism. Karon touched many through her service on numerous committees, the church board, and as a Sunday School teacher and Bible study leader.

Karon worked in the US Post Office in her early adulthood and then as an office manager at several businesses, before she became “the Woman behind the man” as the Eastern Nazarene Church Michigan District Campground office manager for many years.

Karon enjoyed reading, trivia, card and word games. She was known for her quick wit and was never timid, letting her opinion be known. Karon’s special gift was hospitality. She loved entertaining: cooking and baking but especially making everyone feel comfortable within her home. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving and looked forward to having a full house each holiday. She would cook a huge feast not only for her extended family, but anyone in her circle of acquaintances she felt may not get a “real Thanksgiving”. She had a special love for children, opening their home to well over a dozen foster children over the years, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 27, 2025 at the W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 North Miller Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Terry Turner will officiate with burial to follow at Richland Township Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to gather at the funeral chapel on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneral home.com