Kaaren Elizabeth (Kohl) Westlund

Kaaren Elizabeth Westlund, 84, passed away peacefully at 11:29 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Kaaren was born on June 29, 1941 in Bellaire, Ohio, to the late George and Minnie Lois (Hathhorn) Kohl and grew up in Beaver, Pennsylvania. She was a graduate of Endicott College and later earned her accounting degree from the University of Kentucky.

In 1960, she married the love of her life, Arnold Eugene Westlund Jr. Together they made their home in Gloucester, Massachusetts. In 1974, they relocated to Winchester, Kentucky where they raised their family. Although Kentucky became home, her heart was always by the sea in Cape Ann, Massachusetts.

Kaaren lived a life marked by a servant’s heart. She was actively involved in many organizations, including First Presbyterian Church of Winchester, Habitat for Humanity, Hand in Hand Ministries, and the St. Vincent de Paul Louisville Food Pantry.

She was happiest when surrounded by her family. Next to that, she found great joy with her hands in the dirt of her garden. Kaaren was an accomplished seamstress who loved learning new skills. She enjoyed sewing, refinishing furniture, woodworking, and needlepoint, among many other creative pursuits. She was especially known and loved for her banana bread, butterscotch brownies, and Boston cream pie.

She is survived by her three children: Arnold Eugene Westlund III (Lynn), Eric George Westlund, and Sherrill Ann Scheid (Mike); her grandchildren: Chris Westlund (Katie), Alex Westlund (Kriston), Katie Terry (John), Abigail Russell (JJ), Michael Scheid Jr. (Karishma), and Summer Birkes (Colby); and her great-grandchildren: Elodie, Georgia, and Margot Russell; Grace Terry; Sloane Scheid; Lincoln Birkes; and two great-granddaughters expected soon. She is also survived by her loving partner of many years, Phil Lawver.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Arnold Eugene Westlund Jr.

A celebration of Kaaren’s life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church Chapel in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In honor of Kaaren’s generous spirit, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Hand in Hand Ministries in Louisville, Kentucky.

Kaaren will be remembered for her kindness and her unwavering devotion to family and service. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

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