Karen Elizabeth Walczak

Karen Elizabeth Walczak (Karen Hiser)   

1972-2022

Karen Elizabeth Walczak passed away on July 11, 2022 after a courageous fight with breast cancer.  Karen was born January 20, 1972 in Lafayette, Indiana, and attended West Lafayette High School where she played flute in band, earned her varsity letter in gymnastics, was a member of the National Honor Society,  and received the Girl Scout Gold Award.  She received a Physics degree with honors  from Wittenberg University and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Zeta chapter. She also received an Electro-Optic Engineering Masters degree from the University of Dayton.  Karen worked at Battelle Memorial Institute for many years as an optical engineer, and was a highly regarded researcher in the engineering community in Columbus.  Karen is survived by her loving husband Rob, sons Seth and Jason, parents Lynn and Sue Hiser, and brother Eric Hiser.  

Karen was a member of Northwest United Methodist Church for many years, and loved playing her flute, singing with the choir, and performing with the handbell choir, all to praise the Lord.  Her faith gave her the determination to support her fellow cancer survivors and to give her the strength to persevere through her own battle with cancer.  Karen had an immense love for music, and those around her enjoyed when she performed.  In her spare time, Karen could always be found reading a book, especially science fiction and fantasy novels.  She loved spending time with her family, and above all immensely enjoyed being with her boys.  Karen will truly be missed by all those who love her and all the lives she touched.

A private family graveside ceremony was performed at Wesley Chapel Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life is planned for 4:00p.m. on SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2022 at NORTHWEST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 5200 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, 460 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH  43210 or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to assist others by treating, researching, and eventually conquering metastatic breast cancer.  

The Tidd Family Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026 (614)-876-1722, assisted the family.  Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to Karen's family.