Karen Rebecca Mae Schildknecht

It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Karen Rebecca Mae Schildknecht, who passed peacefully surrounded by family on November 4th, 2026, at Schneck Medical Center.

Karen was born on October 12th, 1966, in Columbus, IN to Bob and Judy Bassett. She was raised in Bartholomew County where she graduated from Columbus East High School before joining the US Army, serving as a military police officer. After becoming a mother, she worked in various security and warehouse roles before ultimately deciding being a homemaker and crafter was her passion.

She went on to marry the love of her life, Wayne Schildknecht, on December 4th, 1997, in North Vernon where together they raised six children; Judy Jones of Columbus, Jessika (Tyler) Yonts of Greensburg, Phil (Bre) Jones of Seymour, Shi Ann Krise of Indianapolis, Matt (Niki) Schildknecht of St. Paul, and Dillon (Tiffany) Schildknecht of Scipio.

Karen is survived by her husband and children, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sisters Rosetta Bassett and Sharon (Andy) Ford of Columbus, brother Robert Bassett, Jr., and too many nieces, nephews, and cousins to count. She was preceded in death by her parents, a nephew, a great-nephew, and several other family members and loved ones.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 11th from 4-8 pm at Jewell-Rittman Funeral home 3855 25th St. Columbus, IN, where family kindly requests everyone be comfortable and wear blue, Karen’s favorite color. Military rights are to begin promptly at 5pm for those wishing to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.