Karen Mang Lawler, of Troy, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her home on November 21, 2025 at the age of 79. She was surrounded by her loving family.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Karen was born on February 15, 1946 in Saginaw, Michigan to William J. Mang and Anne Hromadka Mang.
She graduated from Arthur Hill High School and went on to marry the love of her life John Lawler in 1965. Shortly after John graduated from Western, they began their family of three daughters, Kimberly, Heather, and Stephanie.While raising their daughters, Karen modeled strength and independence. Her love was shared supporting her children in their various activities from coaching softball games, going to band concerts and traveling to soccer games. She loved listening to music; often, she would clean the house on Saturday while listening to Elton John.
While raising her children and managing a successful home, Karen and John went into business for themselves as Hallmark store owners. They worked hard to grow a successful business that was well-known in the community. Karen was responsible for the accounting and merchandising, contributing to many successful years. To everyone she met and spent time with, she shared her positivity, hard-work, and meticulousness.
Karen had many creative skills that were treasured by her family and friends. In her teen years, she sewed dresses for herself. As a young mother, she dressed her three daughters in homemade matching outfits. She also had a flair for interior design, starting with their first home in Detroit. When they moved to Troy, her passion for design in the new home was shared in a local newspaper. As her daughters got married and started their own families, Karen sewed curtains, tablecloths, quilts and other projects to help them establish their homes. Her talents also went to using her tools to fix and build so many things around the house. She put love into everything she made and fixed.
While Karen was a quiet person, she was planning family events such as graduation parties and weddings. As grandchildren joined their extended family, she continued this with wonderful holiday gatherings and summer pool parties. The family has special memories of Easter egg hunts, Christmas celebrations, and summer get-togethers. Also, Karen and John shared many special trips with the grandchildren to Mackinaw City and Island that were so much fun.
For many years, Karen was an active member of the St. Thomas More parish, and after she joined the Catholic faith, she led groups for others doing the same. In retirement, John and Karen were committed to helping others in the community through their foundation Called to Serve. They volunteered so much of their time and energy to support Detroit area groups such as Manna Meals, Go-Getters, All Saints' Soup Kitchen, and St. Patrick's Senior Center. Also, they helped rehab old homes in Detroit; she was able to repair and build things with her trusty tool bucket. They also worked for many years with Meals on Wheels to provide food to seniors.
Her warm smile and generous spirit touched everyone she met; she will be remembered for her quiet determination and honesty. Karen Lawler is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, John Patrick Lawler. She leaves behind children: Kim Tetmeyer, Heather (Darin) Morse, and Stephanie (Chip) Asmus. She was a proud grandmother to Austin (Madison), Duncan (Jillian), and Willow Tetmeyer; Zoe (Justin) Jackson; Jackson and Sam Morse; Molly (Cole) LaFave; Katy and Ben Asmus. She is also survived by her siblings: Janice (Brent) Gallagher and Rebecca Mang (Homer Nye), as well as many nieces, nephews and other loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Doug Tetmeyer.
The family will be celebrating her life by having a small private memorial service.
Carol Hanes (Smith)
Karen's obituary
Karen Mang Lawler, of Troy, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her home on November 21, 2025 at the age of 79. She was surrounded by her loving family.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Karen was born on February 15, 1946 in Saginaw, Michigan to William J. Mang and Anne Hromadka Mang.
She graduated from Arthur Hill High School and went on to marry the love of her life John Lawler in 1965. Shortly after John graduated from Western, they began their family of three daughters, Kimberly, Heather, and Stephanie.While raising their daughters, Karen modeled strength and independence. Her love was shared supporting her children in their various activities from coaching softball games, going to band concerts and traveling to soccer games. She loved listening to music; often, she would clean the house on Saturday while listening to Elton John.
While raising her children and managing a successful home, Karen and John went into business for themselves as Hallmark store owners. They worked hard to grow a successful business that was well-known in the community. Karen was responsible for the accounting and merchandising, contributing to many successful years. To everyone she met and spent time with, she shared her positivity, hard-work, and meticulousness.
Karen had many creative skills that were treasured by her family and friends. In her teen years, she sewed dresses for herself. As a young mother, she dressed her three daughters in homemade matching outfits. She also had a flair for interior design, starting with their first home in Detroit. When they moved to Troy, her passion for design in the new home was shared in a local newspaper. As her daughters got married and started their own families, Karen sewed curtains, tablecloths, quilts and other projects to help them establish their homes. Her talents also went to using her tools to fix and build so many things around the house. She put love into everything she made and fixed.
While Karen was a quiet person, she was planning family events such as graduation parties and weddings. As grandchildren joined their extended family, she continued this with wonderful holiday gatherings and summer pool parties. The family has special memories of Easter egg hunts, Christmas celebrations, and summer get-togethers. Also, Karen and John shared many special trips with the grandchildren to Mackinaw City and Island that were so much fun.
For many years, Karen was an active member of the St. Thomas More parish, and after she joined the Catholic faith, she led groups for others doing the same. In retirement, John and Karen were committed to helping others in the community through their foundation Called to Serve. They volunteered so much of their time and energy to support Detroit area groups such as Manna Meals, Go-Getters, All Saints' Soup Kitchen, and St. Patrick's Senior Center. Also, they helped rehab old homes in Detroit; she was able to repair and build things with her trusty tool bucket. They also worked for many years with Meals on Wheels to provide food to seniors.
Her warm smile and generous spirit touched everyone she met; she will be remembered for her quiet determination and honesty. Karen Lawler is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, John Patrick Lawler. She leaves behind children: Kim Tetmeyer, Heather (Darin) Morse, and Stephanie (Chip) Asmus. She was a proud grandmother to Austin (Madison), Duncan (Jillian), and Willow Tetmeyer; Zoe (Justin) Jackson; Jackson and Sam Morse; Molly (Cole) LaFave; Katy and Ben Asmus. She is also survived by her siblings: Janice (Brent) Gallagher and Rebecca Mang (Homer Nye), as well as many nieces, nephews and other loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Doug Tetmeyer.
The family will be celebrating her life by having a small private memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alternative for Girls (https://alternativesforgirls.…">https://alternativesforgirls.…) in Detroit or Doctors Without Borders (https://give.doctorswithoutbo…">https://give.doctorswithoutbo…) in Karen Lawler's honor, as these were causes dear to her heart. Karen Lawler will be deeply missed by all who knew her