Karen Sue McGinley, 63 of Kouts, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025. She was born on July 23, 1962 in Valparaiso, the daughter of James and Sharon (Jessen) Brust. Karen graduated in 1980 from Morgan Twp. High School, where she set and still holds the track record for the mile run. She loved being around people, which was fitting for her 32-year career as a cashier/clerk at Aldi in Valparaiso and LaPorte. Karen was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kouts and enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, antiques, photos, sharing stories, and going out to dinner. She also was a huge New York Yankees fan and loved vacations to the log cabins in Brown County and most of all spending time with family, especially her grandkids.
On June 30, 1984, Karen married John M. McGinley who survives along with her mother, Sharon Brust; children, Megan (Bryan) McDonald, Andrew (Cecilia) McGinley, Tyler McGinley, Bradly (Amanda) McGinley, Jacob McGinley, Madison McGinley, and Maylee McGinley; grandchildren, Gracie, Evelyn, Amelia, Iris, Charlotte, and Ayla; siblings, Doreen (Greg) Birky, Curt (Donna) Brust, and Mark (Mary Jo) Brust; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, James Allen Brust.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 3:00-7:00 PM at Kosanke Funeral Home 309 S. Main St., Kouts, with a Rosary Service at 3:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 4th at 10:00 AM directly at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 402 E, Indiana Ave., Kouts, with burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Kouts. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
GUESTBOOK
Rest easy my friend. I will miss you so much. -Brenda
Our condolences to John, her children and grandchildren, Sharon, Doreen, Curt, Mark, and all their families. Karen was such a special person and always so friendly. We loved her very much! She was our flower girl at our wedding 56 years ago. May her soul now rest in peace, and may your wonderful memories console you during this sad time. Sorry we can’t be there with you because we are now in Florida for the winter, but you all are in our thoughts and prayers. -John and Jean Jessen
John you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Karen, may you rest in peace. -Annette Eichholz
So incredibly sorry to hear of the loss of KarKar. She was always so sweet and I'll miss her kind she always was. -Justin Higer
Although I have not seen Karen in many years, the memories I have of her from our youth are full of laughter, kindness, and fun. She had a way of brightening every room, and I will always remember her cheerful spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. My heart goes out to John and her family during this time. -Sherry (Schlundt) Iwasczuk
Eternal rest grant unto Karen, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. I'm so sorry to learn of Karen's passing. Karen was such a sweet soul and my prayers are with her family at this sorrowful time. -Pamela Hood
