News Summary
Karen Gutner, a cherished member of the South Euclid community, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and family devotion. Her warmth and laughter will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. A graveside service will be held this week to honor her life and contributions.
South Euclid, Ohio
Karen Gutner, a beloved matriarch and pillar of her community, passed away on September 14, 2025, at the age of 83. Her warm personality, unwavering kindness, and significant contributions to her family and friends leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered fondly.
Born on May 14, 1942, to Samuel and Florence Katz in University Heights, Ohio, Karen was a bright student who graduated from Heights High School. She pursued higher education with a focus on Home Economics at both Miami University and Kent State University. After completing her studies, she returned to Cleveland, a decision that would shape the network of relationships she cherished throughout her life.
In her early adult years, she met Michael Baskind, whom she later married. They welcomed two sons, David and Scott, into their family. Although Karen and Michael divorced, she later found love again with Robert Gutner. Together, they created a nurturing home in South Euclid and Lyndhurst, Ohio, until Robert’s passing in 2015. Karen’s family will remember her fondly, as she is survived by her brother Howard and his wife Mimi, as well as her sons David (with his wife Kelly and daughter Olivia) and Scott (with his wife Hayley and their children Joshua, Jason, and Hannah). Additionally, she leaves behind stepchildren Tammi (married to Max Holland, with their daughter Nora) and Todd Gutner, who is married to Kelsea.
In her life, Karen was renowned for her thoughtfulness, generosity, and her ability to make others feel valued. Her close circle of friends, affectionately known as the “Groveland girls,” provided her with immense joy and support over the years. Family members fondly referred to her as Nana K, a name that reflects her deep pride in her role as a grandmother. She placed great importance on family connections and relished her time spent with grandchildren, passing down love and lessons with each interaction.
Throughout her life, Karen demonstrated resilience and optimism, often handling life’s challenges with humor. She famously said, “I can handle anything,” a testament to her unwavering spirit during tough times. This attitude towards both joy and adversity is a significant part of her legacy, influencing those who were lucky enough to know her.
A graveside funeral service will take place on Wednesday, September 17th at 1:00 PM at Mount Olive Cemetery in Solon. Following the service, the family will convene for shiva at the Baskind residence located at 637 Eaton Drive in Aurora. The schedule for the shiva is as follows:
- Immediately after the service until 8:00 PM on September 17th
- Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Arrangements for the services have been entrusted to Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel. Karen Gutner will be remembered not just for her familial bonds, but also for the compassion and joy she spread throughout her life, leaving a profound impact on all who knew her.
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- Cleveland Obituaries: Kathleen Boylan
- Wikipedia: South Euclid, Ohio
- Cleveland Obituaries: Darlene Stanek
- Google Search: South Euclid Ohio news
- Legacy Obituaries: Freda Ciarcia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ohio
- Cleveland Obituaries: Joanna Marek
- Google News: funeral services South Euclid
- Legacy Obituaries: Lori Solon
- Google Scholar: South Euclid Ohio history
- Cleveland Obituaries: Margaret Saraney
- Google Search: Ohio community news
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
