Obituary of Karen Castellese

Karen Louise (Merkle) Castellese was born in Trenton, Michigan on April 29, 1945. She was the one of two children born from the union of the late Leonard and the late Nina (Burbl) Merkle. Karen married the love of her life Phillip Castellese on November 9, 1996 in Monroe, Michigan. Karen helped to support her family employed as a cashier at Danny's Fine Foods for several years until taking retirement in 1998. Karen was an avid reader and had a love for fiction novels. One of her favorite past times was to watch television; she was an avid football fan. She also cherished the time spent with her close friends and her beloved feline companion, "Gus." Karen Louise (Merkle) Castellese, age 70, of Monroe passed away at 2:02am on Friday, June 12, 2015 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. In addition to her parents: her passing was preceded by her beloved husband: Phillip Castellese; a brother: Allen Merkle in July of 2010; infant son: Neil Leonard Waske; and a beloved feline companion, "Mokey." To cherish Karen's memory she leaves a step-daughter: Silvia McCallum of Livonia, Michigan; niece: Erin Merkle of Rockwood; a nephew: Scott Merkle of Lincoln Park; two of her best friends: Jenny Boudrie and Julie Jones; her caretaker of the past nine years: Greg Finley of Monroe; and her beloved feline companion: Gus. A gathering to celebrate Karen's life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 27th, 2015 at the Monroe VFW post 1138, 400 Jones Avenue Monroe, Michigan 48161. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe Michigan (734)384-5185. A graveside service will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan at a later date. Memorials in honor of Karen can be made by the choice of the donor. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.