Karen Elizabeth (Beightol) Kostelac

On August 31, 2023, our Lord welcomed Karen Elizabeth (Beightol) Kostelac into his arms.  Karen was born on Wednesday, April 11, 1945 in Harrisburg to the late John Reiter Beightol and Charlotte Alice (Groff) Beightol.  In addition to her parents, Karen is preceded in death by her brother, John Beightol and her three grandpups: Lola, Rosie, and Lily.  

Karen’s survivors include her husband of 56 years, George “Mike” Michael Kostelac, Jr.; her two children: Christina “Christy” Alice King and husband, Robert, of Enola; Michael John Kostelac and wife, Michelle, of Mechanicsburg; her two grandchildren: Emily and D.J.; her beloved grand pets: Izzy, Titus, Pebbles, Luke and Leia; her sister-in-law Mary Alice Neumyer of Harrisburg who was more like a sister to Karen; her niece, two nephews, and a great-niece.  

Karen graduated from John Harris High School as part of the class of 1963.  Karen attended Lycoming College in Williamsport, then transferred to Shippensburg College (now known as Shippensburg University) where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1967.  Karen worked at several jobs within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  After starting a family and having some ‘free’ time, she worked for Contact of Chambersburg as the treasurer.  Upon return to the Harrisburg area, specifically Mechanicsburg, Karen accepted the position of Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Carlisle which she proudly served for 10 years.  She was involved in various endeavors within the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church and relished being part of and participating with the Presbyterian Women of the church.  Karen excelled at having Faith, Hope, and Love for all she worked with and met.  While she was a quiet woman, Karen’s unique personality touched many lives. All will miss her deeply.  

Karen’s family appreciates all those who cared for her over the past year and kept her and her family in their thoughts and prayers.  The family sends their deepest gratitude to the staff at UPMC West Shore Hospital’s 4 th floor and intensive care unit that cared for her during her last days.  

All are welcome to join Karen’s family at her memorial service on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, 300 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Family visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Karen’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of fellowship and food at the church immediately following the service.  Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a time convenient for the family.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in celebration of Karen’s life can be made to her cherished non-profits: Presbyterian Women of the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church (checks can be mailed to the church at 300 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055), Heifer International (https://www.heifer.org/), or Bethesda Mission (https://www.bethesdamission.org/).  

Karen’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Karen’s full obituary, view her photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.