Michael L. "Mike" Karenbauer

Michael L. “Mike” Karenbauer, 60, of Petrolia, Washington Twp., passed away early Sunday morning, October 13, 2024 in the comfort of his home while surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Michael was born in Butler on October 22, 1963. He was the son of Elizabeth A. “Betty” Oesterling Karenbauer of Tallmadge, OH, formerly of Chicora and the late Harvey J. Karenbauer Sr.

He was a 1982 graduate of Moniteau High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  Michael was of the Catholic faith.  Mike had been employed for many years as a journeyman welder working out of the Boiler Maker’s Union Local # 154 in Pittsburgh.

Mike enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and hunting.  He was a well-known rodeoer and was a skilled steer wrestler.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends.

In addition to his mother, Mike is survived by his wife, Karen M. Ritts Karenbauer, whom he married on June 6, 2010.  Also surviving is his son, Colt M. Karenbauer (Anna) of Butler; two daughters, Hope L. (Campbell) Ashbaugh and her husband Ronald, of Mercer and Randi Lynn (Campbell) Barrett and her husband, Jeremy, of Hammondsville, OH; two grandchildren, Evelyn M. and Liam M. Barrett; a brother, Harvey John Karenbauer Jr. and his wife, Janet, of Orlando, FL; three sisters, Mary Shope and her husband, James, of Tallmadge, OH, Tracy Anderson and her husband, Daniel, of Bunker Hill, WV, and Tina Gardner and her husband, Randy, of Greensburg; his mother-in-law, Lois “Tootie” Ritts Emahizer, of Boyers, as well as a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Karenbauer.

The family wishes to thank all of Michael’s caregivers, especially those at Hillman Cancer Center of Butler and Butler Memorial  Hospital.

In accordance with Michael’s wishes, there will be no public service.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hillman Cancer Center, Independence Health System, 129 Oneida Valley Rd., Suite 311,  Butler, PA 16001. Hilefh.com.

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