Karen Kaye (Cocherl) Eckard

Karen Kaye Cocherl Eckard, age of 67. a cherished resident of Meeker, Ohio, peacefully departed from this world on Sunday, March 22, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. Karen was born July 28, 1958, in Marion, Ohio, to Margaret C. Cocherl and Paul J. Cocherl of Meeker, Ohio. Karen graduated at Ridgedale High School Morral, Ohio class of 1976.

Karen's greatest pride and joy were her daughter, Brandelyn "Eckard" Arndt, and her grandchildren, Connor and Carter Arndt. Her passion for ham radios spanned over four decades, during which she was beloved by many. She was an avid camper at Hickory Grove for 25 years, where she cherished donating her time to muscular dystrophy because Karen believed no kid should be in a wheelchair. Karen worked at Med center hospital for many years as a IV tech and a Monitor tech.

Renowned for her exceptional weather knowledge, she was the first to alert her loved ones of impending storms, advising them to fill bathtubs with water and stock up on batteries. She was Marion County weather coordinator for more than 10 years. She was also known to have multiple flashlights on hand at all times. Karen always had a stash of little Debbie Reese Cups and Mt. dew and could tell you if one was missing. Karen will also be remembered by her family for the time she wanted to do Thanksgiving dinner herself, but the turkey was frozen when family arrived.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Brandelyn BJ "Eckard" Arndt, of Mount Gilead; her grandchildren, Connor and Carter, of Mount Gilead; her brother John "Cindy" Cocherl, of New Bloomington, Brother in-law Kevin Eckard of Upper Sandusky, Sister in-Law Penny "Dan" DeWhitt Frostproof, Fl, Sister in-law Stacy Eckard of Marion, Ohio and sister in-law Krirsty Michael Doughty of Marion, Ohio. and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Steve Eckard; her mother, Margaret Cocherl; and her father, Paul Cocherl.

A Celebration of Karen's life will be held on Saturday May 16, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Hickory Grove Campground 805 Hoch Road, Marion, Ohio 43302.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider donating to Gompf Funeral Service to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist Karen's family. Condolences may be expressed to her family at www.gompffh.com.