Karen Steketee
Karen Steketee, 64, of Arkville, N.Y., passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Margaretville Hospital. She was born on May 2, 1961 in Brooklyn,N.Y., daughter of the late Henry “Joe” Strauss and Theresa Ryan Strauss. Karen grew up in Shandaken, NY where she was an active parishioner at St. Francis de Sales Church.
Karen was a former Dog Warden for the Town of Shandaken. She also had a career as a Corrections Officer for the Ulster County Sheriff's Department for over 10 years.
She was an avid animal lover and spent much of her time gardening and enjoying the beautiful nature surrounding her and Her Home. Her hobbies included anything where she could put her creativity to use, including arts and crafts and painting ceramics.
Karen had great compassion for others and always lent a helping hand to anyone in need. She had a heart of gold that shined bright every day.
She was a devoted wife, and a wonderful mother and grandmother, often selfless and very generous.
Surviving are her loving husband of 24 years, John Steketee, twin daughters, Jennifer and Joanne Winne, granddaughter Gillianna Griffin of Big Indian, sister, Barbara Van Blarcum (Ray Scarth) of Big Indian, and brother Joseph (Kim) Strauss of West Shokan.
She is also survived by several nieces and nephews; Amy (Gerasimos and Son Athan), Kevin, Joseph, John and Julia.
Her husband, John, would like to offer special thanks to the Margaretville Hospital and Ambulance Corps for their dedicated services.
Final Arrangements have been entrusted to The Miller and Hynes Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday May 30, 2026 at 12 pm at the Church of St. Francis De Sales, Phoenicia N.Y., officiated by the Reverend Thomas P. Wilhelm and coordinated by the Gormley Funeral Home of Phoenicia.
You may share a special memory of Karen with the family at millerandhynes.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Town of Shandaken Dog Shelter at ShandakenSAVE.org or memorialize her beautiful character and how she cared for others by performing a random act of kindness in her honor.