Karen L. McClung

Karen Lea McClung, 83, of Winamac, Indiana, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, at Pulaski County Health Care Center. She was born on March 8, 1941, to James and Sarah McClung and had a brother, Tom. Her parents and brother preceded her in death.

Karen’s life was defined by her love of learning, exploration, and service. She was a 1959 graduate of Winamac High School, where she was valedictorian of her class. She earned a degree in English Literature and a minor in Library Science from Indiana University.

Karen’s adventurous spirit led her to explore Europe and live in several different states. She especially enjoyed visiting lighthouses. She held a variety of meaningful roles throughout her career, including serving as a dispatcher for police departments, working as a secretary for the Peace Corps and the Agency for International Development Training Programs, and later becoming a certified travel agent, where she helped others plan their own journeys.

However, Karen’s greatest professional fulfillment came as a children’s librarian and public librarian. She began her library career in the 1960s and 1970s at the Pulaski County Public Library, where she had the joy of working alongside her mother. Over the years, she held librarian positions at several other libraries, including the Bloomington Public Library, Scottsdale Public Library, Wells Public Library, and Frankfort Public Library. While in Frankfort, Karen also served as the Vice President of the Frankfort Library Friends Association. After retiring, Karen returned to Winamac and resumed her work at the Pulaski County Public Library, where she hosted numerous programs and continued to inspire a love of reading in children and adults alike.

An avid reader throughout her life, Karen was always found with a book in hand and a long list of titles yet to be read. She was known for her infectious laugh and her deep love for college basketball, especially rooting for Indiana University and Butler. Cross stitch and her beloved cats, Miss Priss and Fiona, kept her company later in life.

A dedicated member of the First Christian Church in Winamac, Karen served as an elder and was an active member of the congregation. She also contributed her time and talents to several local organizations, including Rainbow Girls, the Tippecanoe Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Pulaski County Historical Society, and the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. 

Karen’s legacy is one of generosity, warmth, and dedication to her community. She will be remembered for her kindness and sense of humor.

Per Karen’s wishes, private graveside services will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church in Winamac or the Pulaski County Public Library Foundation (www.pcplf.org), organizations that were near and dear to Karen’s heart.

Karen's online guestbook and condolences can be shared at www.RansFuneralHomes.com.