Karen Musick had a way of making the world more interesting and funnier. It became a little less so with her unexpected death on October 23, 2026.

Born in Logan, West Virginia, in 1947, Karen was the much-beloved only child of Ruth and Claude Musick. After the family moved to Columbus, she made the near South Side her playground, making friends, riding her bike, and playing in Schiller Park. Watching the restoration of German Village was a fascination of hers from the earliest years of the movement. She attended local schools and remained proud of her South High School Class of 1965 roots.

Karen built a 33-year and 3-month career with the Defense Logistics Agency, which took her around the world and brought her many lifelong friends. Retirement suited her immediately: she mastered it on day one and never looked back. She served the community through, Merion Village Association, German Village Society, and the Connect 2 Protect Block Watch. She especially enjoyed her many years as a butler at the Oktoberfest.

With her West Virginia heritage came a love of storytelling; her sharp eye for detail made her own stories especially memorable. German Village provided a cast of characters and adventures that kept her and her friends entertained for decades. Many of the details are best kept in the vault, but we will always remember laughing with her until the tears ran down our faces.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207 on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear breast cancer pink, and flamingos would be icing on the cake! A reception will follow at The Good Haus (966 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206), a sensible choice, though Karen would surely have preferred Max & Erma’s.

Private burial will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.

Karen is survived by a treasured circle of out-of-state cousins with whom she remained close despite the miles; five loving nieces: Samantha, Jessica, Tracy, Lauren, and Elaine; her beloved dog, Cami, the latest in a lifetime of canine companions, and Dee Debenport, her partner of 47 years.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Karen may make a gift to the Friends of Schiller Park. Helping a neighbor at just the right moment would be an equally fitting tribute. 

Friends of Schiller Park -

65 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215 

Or via

To sign Karen's online guest book and to leave a condolence please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com