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Carol I. Birkner, age 96, who entered eternal rest on July 15, 2025.
Carol was born December 25, 1928 in Lakewood, OH to the late Elmer E. & Elsie (Hoffmeyer) Keidel.
She was a proud graduate of Lakewood High School, Class of 1947, Carol continued her education at Kent State University, where she cultivated a lifelong love for learning and community engagement. Since 1950, she has been an active member of the Kent United Church of Christ, where she found both spiritual fulfillment and lasting friendships. Throughout her life, Carol was greatly involved in various organizations, including the Kent Delta Gamma Alumnae, Elm Garden Club, and Coterie III. She was also a devoted member of the Circle "N" United Church of Christ and the Breakfast Club, all of which were testaments to her vibrant spirit and commitment to fellowship.
Carol is survived by her children, William Birkner, and Christine Callahan; grandchildren, Dan Callahan, Meghan Walsh, Kaitlin Ferguson, Lauren Birkner, Anna Smoot, and Shannon Caudill; 7 great-grandchildren all who will honor her legacy of love and devotion. Preceded in death by her husband, William B. Birkner; son, Mark E. Birkner, brother, Robert Keidel; and her parents.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Carol’s life on August 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Kent United Church of Christ, 1400 E. Main St. Kent, OH 44240. Her family invite all who knew and loved her to join in remembrance for a reception after the memorial service at the Kent United Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations to be made in her name to the Kent Historical Society or the Kent United Church of Christ, both of which held a special place in her heart.
Carol was a beloved mother and cherished member of her community.
Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240
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