
Karol “Kay” Courtney Tischler, 81, of Fremont, OH passed away on January 10, 2020 at Valley View Health Campus. She was born on October 2, 1938 in Fremont, OH the daughter of Genevieve (Meyer) Thomsen. Kay was a 1956 graduate of St. Joseph High School.
Kay married Eugene “Gene” Courtney on September 9, 1961 and he preceded her in death on February 18, 2007. She was a homemaker for many years and was a secretary at School of Hope for 10 years until she retired in 1998.
Kay was a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was a member of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, Association of the Living Rosary, Croghan Street Garden Club, funeral luncheon committee and assisted in various other volunteer activities. Kay along with her husband, Gene, worked with engaged couples for fourteen years from area parishes. She was also a member of Sandusky County Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Humane Society of Sandusky County and Campfire Buckeye Council. Kay enjoyed traveling, having been to all 50 states and several foreign countries through the years.
Kay is survived by her children, Beth (Vernon “Casey”) VanFleet, Bellevue, Peggy Courtney, Woodville and Jennifer (Joe) Ziebold, Elmore; son-in-law, Ronald Darr, Fremont; grandchildren, Christopher (Erin Bullion) VanFleet, Catherine “Katie” (Nathan) Richter, Michael (Desaree) Darr, Caroline (Alex Cannata) Darr, Meghan and Kristie Rodriguez and Owen Ziebold; great-granddaughter, Danielle Richter and sister, Marilyn House, Fremont.
She was preceded in death by her mother, husband, Gene Courtney; daughter, Kathleen Darr and granddaughter, Samantha Rodriguez.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, January 16, 2020; 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St., Fremont, OH.
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, Fremont, OH
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Croghan Street Garden Club.
View Kay’s Memorial Video
Offer Condolences for the family of Karol “Kay” Courtney Tischler

Missy Flahiff
Peggy,and family,I was so sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a wonderful woman,whom raised a special family. What a Legacy she leaves behind. Please know you all are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers during this very sad time. God Bless;Missy & Brian Flahiff
Mary M. Robinson
Peggy, and family, The Col. George Croghan Chapter, Fremont, Oh. of The Daughters of the American Revolution wish to extend their condolences to you and your family on your mom’s passing. Kay was a wonderful, active DAR sister in our chapter. Always a good creative and dedicated worker with two DAR daughters. We will miss her enthusiasm and strong work ethic. Patriotism, preservation, and education were all exemplified in her mission with us. Her mission now is to have peace. Peace is found with the Lord. Kay is with the Lord.
B.Webster
Kay, I wanted you to know what a wonderful lady you are. I am truly Blessed to have know you and will treasure our times together. Your zest for life was infectious, and your love for members of my family were so heartwarming. Please know you are loved and respected by us and our prayers are with you. May God comfort all your family and friends. Fly high sweet lady, fly high.
Lori Stanley
Burk,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your loving wife Kay. I’m so glad I was able to get to know her and truly enjoyed sitting with her in the stands cheering for the grandkids playing soccer, basketball or football. My heart goes out to you and I sincerely hope the loving memories of your wonderful life together carries you through.
Sincerely,
Lori Stanley
Rob and Stacy Schoenlein
Our condolences to Burkey and the rest of the unmentioned Tischler Family. I know Burkey loved Kay very much as we enjoyed spending time with them both and playing games every time they came to visit Kent and Mindy in Springboro to watch Tyler, Macy and Ellie’s games. Kay will be missed by all…
The Schoenlein Family
Kim Varner
I knew Kay thru the Tischler’s and she was an awesome lady who loved everyone. She had a thirst for life and treated us all like family. Hugs and prayers to her husband, daughters, extended family and friends.
LW Warren
Kay was a wonderful woman. My family & I are very glad we got to meet her during her marriage to Burke Tischler. They were a fun, loving couple and Kay’s smile lit up the room. We send our condolences to the Tischler family. The Springboro community will miss Kay.
Kent Tischler
In November of 2008, Kay married Burkhart Tischler. Kay and Burk were able to travel and visited many different states, and countries. Kay was a wonderful supporter of Burk’s family, to include his sons Kent (Mindy) and David (Beth) Tischler. Kay was a role model for all of Burk’s grandchildren, Tyler, Macy, Ellie, Kayla and Aiden. The whole Tischler family is saddened by Kay’s passing. She had a life well lived and was an inspiration to many by her strong conviction to her Catholic faith.
Janet Celek
Kay was an inspiration to many with her warm smile and pleasant mannerisms. I worked with Kay for 10 years at the School of Hope. Upon entering the school she was the first one to greet you. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Mary Halbisen
Burky and the whole Tischler family—-
so sorry for all the hurt you are going through—May the Lord lift you up during this very sad time—
Rest In Heaven, Kay
Denny and Kathy Tischler
Burk
You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of your wife Kay. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denny &Kathy
Rustad Family
Our thoughts and prayers are for Kay and the Tischler family. For 11 years, Kay and Burky shared a very happy life together. Memories like that must never be forgotten.
Donna Durst
Burk, Roger and I enjoyed spending time with you and Kay. We send our love and condolences. Prayers for strength and peace!
Beth Brickner
Jen & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Kay was the most loving, funny, and active person; not to mention campfire leader. Her zest for life and her faith was so admirable. You all were so blessed to have her for your mother & now you’ll have her as your personal guardian angel. God bless! Praying for you all!
Tom & Deb Herb
Burk,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family that Lord surround you with his love and healing.
Ronald “R. J. Dannemiller
Beth, Peggy, Jennifer & Family:
My condolences to you at this time of loss. Kay was a very kind and special lady. As a good friend of Beth’s all of these years, she was always welcoming and hospitable to me. I appreciated her smile and genuine interest in me as a person. Her light, as a Christian in this world, was always very bright. Her love for God and many years of self-less service to others was exemplary. She was an inspiration to many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Peace,
Ronald “R. J.” Dannemiller
Joan Juhasz
So sorry to hear about the passing of Kay. I know the Tischlers especially Burke, will grieve her death. For the short time I knew her she seemed to be a very loving lady. Sorry again for such a big loss.
God bless;
Joan Juhasz
John and Brenda Havens
I always enjoyed seeing Kay’s smile when I was around her. She loved deeply and was a wonderful example of Jesus’ love to all. I pray that she is at rest in Heaven with her loved ones, especially her daughter Kathleen. Peggy, you have been a real ROCK with your family throughout the past few months. Your mom was so very proud of her daughters and their desire to care for her during the past two months. May you all remember great memories and heal from loosing your wonderful Mother. John and I will be praying for all of you!
Judy and Ruben Rendon
Burk,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your lovely wife Kay. We have so enjoyed the two of you as neighbors and friends. Kay and I loved to talk about flowers as well as a little digging in the dirt. She is at peace now with her Lord and Savior. We know you will be missing her in the weeks and months ahead. Please know we are here for you.
Alvina Reinbolt Hill
My sympathy and prayers to all of you!
Thomas Sneider
Burk,
Angie Halbeisen sent an email notifying the class of ’56 of the passing of Kay Thomsen Courtney Tischler. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Kay was always such a sweet gentle person. Thinking of her brings back a flood of happy memories we all shared as classmates. So Kay really does live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her. Peace to all who are suffering this terrible loss.
John Lauer
Burk you have our deepest sympathy in your loss of your wife Kay. You are in our prayers.
John & Alison Lauer
Gene and Gail Lorentz
Dear Burk and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Kay’s passing. Kay was such a caring and interesting person. We fondly remember our times of meeting the two of you for coffee and conversation when we were in Fremont. The world is a better place because of Kay’s presence. May your many wonderful memories sustain you during this most difficult time.
Gene and Gail Lorentz
vicki Hoffman
Burk,
So sorry for the loss of your wife Carol. May the wings of your guardian angel wrap around you for peace within.
Tim and Vicki Hoffman
Vicki Hoffman
So sorry to the Courtney family.
May God surround your family with continued faith and healing.
Tim and Vicki Wolf Hoffman
joe dohanos
Burkie: Our deepest sympathy to you and Kay’s family!
Francine and Joe Dohanos
Dick and Carol Hoffman
Burk and Peggy and family, our heart felt sympathy to you and the family, she has always been such a very nice lady. Peggy, when I saw you the other morning I did not know she had passed and my heart goes out to you. May our Good Lord bring comfort and peace to you all and may all the wonderful memories you have of your time with her bring tears of joy. Burk, when I saw you the other day I did not know what happened and am truly touched with sympathy, think on the good times you have had together.
Nancy Morroney
To all of Kay’s family, you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of such a lovely woman. She was beautiful, inside and out, a woman of grace and dignity and a true inspiration to others. I will certainly miss seeing her warm and friendly smile. My prayers are with you all.
Nancy Morroney