Karen Marie Schindele

Karen Marie Schindele, age 76, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. Born on September 24, 1948, at Boonville, New York, she was the daughter of Robert and Dorothy Nellenbach (Tuffy). She graduated from high school, in West Leyden, New York, in June 1966. After high school, she worked as a waitress and assembly line worker, until enlisting in the United States Air Force. Karen served in the Air Force from July 20, 1967 until March 31, 1970, serving as a communications center specialist and attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Karen later worked in Mountain Home, Idaho, for the United States Post Office from November 1, 1980, until retiring on December 31, 2004.

Karen was a long-time member of the American Legion. She was also active in her church, where she had been a member of the Mother Cabrini Sodality and volunteered with St Vincent de Paul at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Mountain Home, Idaho. Karen also volunteered regularly with the food bank and summer lunch program in Mountain Home and the Idaho Food Bank in Meridian. Karen loved to travel, especially with her family. She enjoyed visiting national and state parks, observing the beauty of the natural world.

Karen married the love of her life, John Schindele, on June 14, 1969, in West Leyden, New York. Together, they raised three daughters. Karen and John lived in Mountain Home from 1977 until 2017, when they relocated to Boise, to be closer to their daughters and grandson.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband, John, her brothers Robert and Ernest, and her sisters Janet and Sharon. She is survived by her daughters Carol Schindele, Kristina Schindele, and Lisa Schindele, and grandson Zachary Jessup. She is also survived by her bonus daughter, Dawn Best and daughter Isabella as well as her bonus grandchildren, Paul, Nikki, and Cristina Calderon, and Danny and Natalie Lopez. Karen is also survived by her siblings Michael, Ronald, and Judith.

A memorial service will be held for Karen at the American Legion Post 26, 515 E 2nd Street, Mountain Home, Idaho 83647 on August 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. It was Karen’s wish to be cremated and laid to rest in the Columbarian Niche at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise beside her husband. A military service will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. A funeral mass will be held for Karen on September 3, 2025, at noon, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, 11511 W. Lake Hazel Rd, Boise, Idaho 83709.

The family suggests donations of sympathy be made to the Idaho Food Bank (idahofoodbank.org). Karen was passionate about ensuring no one went hungry, especially children and senior citizens.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Cornerstone Senior Living and Key Stone Hospice for caring for Karen during her lengthy illness.

An online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the Schindele family at summersfuneral.com.