Karen Ann Schuette

Karen Ann Schuette, age 77, of Goodland, Indiana, passed away on February 11, 2026.

Karen was born on November 17, 1948, to Earl and Dorothy Sell and was a lifelong resident of Goodland. After graduating among the first class from South Newton High School, Karen married Richard Schuette, her high school sweetheart. Together, they shared 56 years of marriage and were blessed with two children.

Despite growing up without a farming background, Karen embraced the lifestyle and became Richard’s trusted partner in all aspects of building and sustaining their farming operation. In addition to caring for her family, Karen took the lead with the accounting side of the operation but was active in all aspects of the farm. She was chiefly responsible for transporting the crop to the elevator, but spent countless hours in a tractor as well. She also held positions off the farm, including several years as a bus driver for South Newton.

Karen was active beyond the farm and pursued many interests. She was passionate about history, co-authoring a book detailing the history of Goodland and Grant Township. Karen loved the outdoors and never met an animal that she didn’t like and nurture in some way. She meticulously maintained an extensive garden and joyfully shared the fruits of her labors with family and friends. In her later years, her favorite role was being “Grandma” to her 4 grandchildren, Morgan, Claire, Grant, and Ben. She made sure they all experienced the benefits afforded at the farm, and the motto while they were together was “there’s nothing more fun than FUN!”

Karen is survived by her husband, Richard; her son, Aaron (wife, Kendra) Schuette; her daughter, Jane (husband, Mark) Christenson; her brothers, Gary (companion, Lori Joers) Sell, and Kevin (wife, Sheila) Sell; and her 4 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jim Sell of Colorado.

A mass will be held for Karen at 10:00 am (central) Saturday, February 28th at St. Joseph Catholic Church (409 E. Allen St, Kentland, IN). Because Karen cherished life on the farm, we will gather there in June to celebrate her life with close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, Karen’s family would encourage you to honor her memory by taking a walk to enjoy being outdoors or enjoy a good meal with your family. Alternatively, if you feel compelled, you could pay her memory forward by making a donation in her honor to Indiana Animal Health Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Goodland Chapel | 119 W. Union St. Goodland, IN 47948 | (219) 297-3583 | KellerFH.com