Karen S. Polcyn

Karen Sue Polcyn, 79, Gallipolis, Ohio, now sings with the angels of heaven. We rejoice that she is in the arms of Jesus, although our hearts long for one more song, prayer, or hug. She entered heaven’s gates from her home on January 27, 2026. Karen was born to Garnet Edward and Helen Margaret (Call) Curnutte on November 10, 1946, in Point Pleasant, WV.

Karen, our sister, friend, confidante, was a 1964 graduate of Kyger Creek High School, and there met the love of her life, Chester Michael Polcyn. (Mike was well known in Gallia County and beyond as the local Santa). Karen frequently reflected on her high school years, recalling her days with friends, and the wonderful experience she had acting in the starring role as Calamity Jane, in the Rogers & Hammerstein’s musical production. This theatre debut led to a lifelong love of acting and singing, which would eventually become her ministry. In her early teens, she was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Spirit of the Lord. She was a faithful, supportive member of Calvary Christian Center, Gallipolis, serving on their board of trustees, singing and teaching the word of God for many years. She counseled and gave her heart and ears to listening to those in need. She wrote and directed short dramas that touched the hearts of many. Karen was a regular on the stage at the city’s “Gospel in the Park.”

Additionally, Karen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Rio Grande University, Rio Grande, OH, and a master's degree in education at Marshall University, Huntington, WV. During college years, she was involved in Masterworks music and theatre. She was an avid reader and was passionate about her teaching career, retiring after years of service with the Gallia County Local Schools as both a teacher and then a Preschool Intervention Specialist. She prepared hundreds of children for their successful education, and they all loved “Miss Karen,” especially for her annual student/parent tea party. Karen also found time, on occasion to accompany her husband, as Mrs. Claus. She was known throughout the County for her many acts of kindness, caring and good citizenship.

Karen was blessed to be the mother of Michael Shannon (Leah), Kari Lynn, and John Mark (Jen) Polcyn, all of Gallipolis, and grandmother to Kanoa Frei (Gail, Dustin), Columbus, OH, Travis Polcyn (Lexi), Vinton, OH and Mesa (Logan) Polcyn of Gallipolis. She was ecstatic when she became the great-grandmother of Lorelei.

Karen was the second of seven children born to GE and Margaret and grew up in this large family on Mill Creek Road. She is the first sibling to reach her heavenly goal, and in addition to her offspring is survived by brothers: Charles (Barbara) of Gallipolis, David (Corinne) Cincinnati, OH, Kevin (Deanna) Charleston, WV and Carl (Juanita) Hamden, OH; and sisters: Charlotte, Charleston, AR and Jackline (John) Hindman, Morgantown, WV. She is additionally survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, her beloved Mike.

We will gather to celebrate her rich life on Friday, February 6 at 12:00 noon at Willis Funeral Home, 12 Garfield Avenue, Gallipolis with service beginning at 2:00 pm. Karen’s brother, Kevin Curnutte will officiate, after which she will travel to her final resting place alongside her husband at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, Neighborhood Road, Gallipolis.

Afterwards, a meal is generously being supplied by Calvary Christian Center, 553 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis. All are welcome.