Karen J. Schmal

Karen Jean Schmal, age 75, of Kingsburg, California, passed away unexpectedly on August 18, 2025. On November 20, 1949 in Covington, Kentucky, Karen was born as the fifth of six children to Urban and Loraine Kremer. She moved to California in 1978, following her sister to Selma. She soon moved to Kingsburg, and had two children with Terry Schmal. She enjoyed reading, cheesy Hallmark movies and candy corn, but her claim to fame was her EXTENSIVE collection of Santas that would occupy every inch of space in her house at Christmas. She adored her three grandchildren ages 19, 7, and 4. Gma was the kind of grandma who knew how to make magic out of ordinary days. Whether it was crafting, storytelling, or just being the warmest hug in the room, she was all in. She largely dedicated her life to the children of her community. She worked for the Kingsburg Elementary School District for 12 years as a special education aide and later a librarian. She went back to school to complete her Bachelor's and then received her Teaching Credential at the age of 58. She taught special education in Dinuba for 7 years before retiring. Throughout the 44 years she lived in Kingsburg, she was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church. There she did everything from church secretary, Women's Club President, Catechism teacher, and leader of the Confirmation program. Most recently she felt called to coordinate funerals for the church, connecting with families who had recently lost loved ones and guiding them through the difficult moments in their lives. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Karen is survived by her son Jeremy Schmal and daughter-in-law Heidi Bridenhagen, her daughter Sarah Schmal, her grandchildren Matthew Ward, Isabella Schmal-Bridenhagen and Kellan Schmal-Bridenhagen. She is also survived by her siblings Marcia Smith, Don Kremer, Diane Kraft and Kevin Kremer. She was preceded in death by her sister Sis Heist. A rosary vigil will be held on September 2nd at 7:00pm, and a funeral mass will be on September 3rd at 10:00am, both at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kingsburg, with a luncheon to follow the mass in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kingsburg Catholic Women's Club Scholarship Fund in Karen's honor. Her legacy lives on in every child she taught, every grandchild she adored, and every bowl of Chex Mix made with love. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Karen J. Schmal

November 20, 1949 - August 18, 2025