[johnta1]

This is very sad.


My condolences to Ken and the family.

[ultraman]

Sorry for your loss ken.

[Don Keefe]

So sad to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to Ken and his family.

[Old Man Taylor]

Very sad news!

[c5farmer]

Our condolences to your entire family. Keep the torch burning.

[RAJ7395]

Ken you're in our thoughts and prayers.

[ho428]

So sorry to hear that, met her a couple of times and she was definitely one of the nicest people I'd ever met.
My sincere condolences Ken.

Gordon

[herdswoman]

I am shocked and trembling at this news. Really thought we'd be able to drop by Brooksville during spring break this year. A million memories of Karen, all of them good, each of them special.

- We met up in Dunedin one year when I was down for a conference, and I remarked how neat it was to leave winter behind and get off a plane in the tropics...she replied "Yep. We got something goin' on down here."
- So proud of her children, so in love with her grandchildren
- A knowledge of antiques and refinishing that could not be beat - great for prowling small towns and shops; something we never had enough time to do
- Stealing a coffee cup from Kenny's Kitchen for her to give to Ken after we had breakfast and she said blankly "Where'd you get that?" Then we roared.
- We were in the bathroom at Norwalk, getting ready for her and Ken's wedding - oh, the memories are so clear...both of us hot and sticky, no real accommodations, I stuck a sign with a little bell on a handicapped stall that said "Bride's Room" and she laughed like it was the funniest thing ever. She must have been nervous because it was not THAT funny.
- Getting ready to marry Ken: She asked me to put her eyeliner on for her, and when I asked why, she said she wanted to be sure it was on straight. Most people did not know she was blind in one eye, hence, the occasional crooked line. But it was really important to her that today, her make up would be perfect....and I remember thinking, "Ken loves you so much, he's never going to notice". I said nothing, put the makeup on just like she wanted. Then out of the blue OMG! "Ken hates being late!" I reassured it was ok, Ken would understand she's getting beautiful in a racetrack bathroom and besides, they couldn't start without us. "NO, he really hates being late!" Alrighty, let's go.
- We walked out to the waiting golf cart. To our surprise, there was our personal entourage of Pontiac brothers; my Tom, Brian Baker, Rod Oke, Scott Esterle, Jim Zeek, David - where you there or with Ken??? (Someone has pictures, and there was around eight of you.) Next thing I knew, we were on the starting line and Ken arrived like a prince on a black horse. He and Karen looked at each other - oh my - with all the love in the world, said their vows, and roared down the quarter mile. Hot Rod Oke arranged a three tier wedding cake and it was quite an afternoon.
- And Karen....fluffing that mane of blonde hair the first time we met when we had time to talk alone. She was telling me how close she was to making her NHRA licensing passes and I thought it I could be half as cool, half as kind, half as supportive of a team mate as she, well, the Richcreeks might "have something goin' on" too. She will always be an inspiration and role model to me.

A million more memories, nearly every one involves laughter, all involve love.

This one hurts and Ken, there are no words.

[Sirrotica]

Karen grew up in my home town, Erie PA. We chatted about old times on PY bugging State St. and the Public Dock. From another Erieite, God Bless Karen and her family.

Ken so sorry to hear of your loss, You and family will be in my prayers

Brad Yost

[David Holmberg]

Amy, well said. Karen loved you, and told me that many times.

I'm still in shock...

[Icefan71]

My condolences to Ken, his family, and all of you who were friends of Karen.

[Alvin]

Very sorry for your loss Ken.

[carcrazy]

Very sad news. My condolences.

[herdswoman]

The Pontiac drag racing women stick together, and Karen set the standard for that. I may race Linda Spiedel or Carol Barhorst, but whoever loses is supporting the woman left standing. None of the catty female crap - definitely a Karen legacy.

[Motor Daddy]

This is so sad. So sorry to hear this news, Ken. I wish you and the family the best.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Originally Posted by wreckmastr

Prayers to Ken and his entire family. R.I.P.

ditto. wow Prayed one up for The Keefer family.

[LiL Jack]

Originally Posted by Old Man Taylor

Very sad news!

Thanks for posting those pics. I was there, it was a very nice day and a memorable Norwalk that year.

[67droptop]

Very sad and prayers sent!

[74t/a]

WOW....what a shocker! No more words.....

[Mike Davis]

Really sorry to hear this. Karen was a great person, had many great memories with her and Ken at Norwalk.
2 of the nicest people you will ever meet and perfect for each other.
RIP Karen you will be missed by many.