Jean Mary (Hottmann) Karbler

Jean M. (Hottmann) Karbler, 91, a lifelong Sandusky resident, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 10, 2020 in Firelands Regional Medical Center.

Jean was born June 9, 1929 to Charles C. and Gertrude M. (Speir) Hottmann. She was baptized and confirmed at First Reformed Church, now known as First Faith Community Church. A lifelong member, she played the piano for the choir, soloists, and services up until this past June.

At the age of 7, Jean started piano lessons and performance technique with Edward and Elmer Steuk of Sandusky.

Jean was a 1947 graduate of Sandusky High School. She was a member of the reunion committee and enjoyed staying in touch with her classmates and the class luncheons.

After graduation, she worked at The Hinde and Dauch Co. on Decatur Street, which is now the Sandusky Board of Education Building. It was there she met Thomas Karbler. They were married June 2, 1957 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage until Tom’s death December 4, 2018.

Jean had a lifelong passion for music! She was accompanist for the Sandusky Singers Club, the Sandusky Choral Society, and the Firelands Chorus.

She accompanied the Sandusky High School A Cappella Choir and many students for Solo and Ensemble OMEA contests from the late 60’s through 2010. Jean was a piano teacher for many years in her home.

She was past Secretary and Board member of the Sandusky Concert Association for 18 years. Jean was also a substitute pianist at Emmanuel United Church of Christ for their worship services.

Jean retired in 1995 from the Sandusky City Schools after twenty years of service. She was Library Technician for Sycamore, Monroe, and Ontario elementary schools. She loved the kids!

Mom was a kind and generous person, always putting others’ needs ahead of her own. She enjoyed family trips to the Amish country in Ohio and Indiana, going to the casinos, and eating chocolate.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Susan Karbler of Sandusky; son, David Karbler of Madison, WI; sister-in-law, Mary Alice (Karbler) Riesterer; niece, Bev (David) Mix, with whom she enjoyed playing piano/organ duets; two nephews, Tim (Martha) Riesterer and Tom (Linda) Riesterer; five great nephews, one great niece, four great-great nephews, and one great-great niece, and good family friend, Joel Mazza.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. Karbler; her parents, brother, Prof. David C. Hottmann; and brother-in-law, Carl Riesterer.

A family service will take place with burial in Castalia Cemetery. Rev. John Apple will officiate. A musical celebration of life is being planned for the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Faith Community Church, 225 E. Jefferson St., Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Mary (Hottmann) Karbler, please visit our floral store.