Karen Elizabeth (Kotkin) Dinius was born on January 9, 1978, in Camden, South Carolina to William Howard Kotkin and Patricia (Giaquinto) Kotkin. She grew up in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and attended Unionville High School where she was involved in field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, Young Life, and was selected as ‘friendliest’ in her class and SeniorContinue Reading
Chuck & Debi Muhly
left a message on June 12, 2022:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kotkin family. Karen was always such a bright light in our lives back in UHS and URA days.
Life is truly a gift! Although Karen’s life was cut short her Faith and example of life she lived has and will continue to touch and inspire many of us.
Therese Barron
left a message on May 29, 2022:
Karen’s friendship was such a gift to me. She reached out to me at a difficult time and became such a dear friend and prayer partner. She was a gift from God to me and I loved her dearly. I will be forever grateful for her friendship. Her faith and trust were a constant encouragement to me.
Tracy Karas
left a message on May 28, 2022:
I met Karen in Sarajevo at a Ladies’ Bible Study. She showed me a heart of love, understanding, and a genuine interest in getting to know me and my family personally. Her love for God and others was evident. Her beautiful smile, attentive ears, wise words, and heartfelt prayers comforted me often! I’m so thankful God allowed our paths to cross. Thank you for offering the memorial service online- it was a true blessing. My deepest condolences to Todd, Bethany, Josh, Kaitlyn, and the entire family. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth Carlson
left a message on May 28, 2022:
What a beautiful memorial service for Karen! I will never forget how beautiful she looked on her wedding day and now she looks even more beautiful in the arms of Jesus. I will always remember her as a prayer warrior who would ask how she could pray for us. Her great faith in the power of prayer inspires us to pray for Todd, Bethany, Josh, and Kaitlyn before school and bedtime.
Margie Booth Bowling
left a message on May 28, 2022:
I was Karen’s JV field hockey coach in high school for my first year of teaching. Karen was one of my captains and had the sweetest and kindest personality. There are only a handful of students/players that have a positive impact on you and Karen was definitely one of those. Her smile lit up the field! I’m not surprised that she served the Lord as a missionary, caring for the elderly, and as a wonderful wife and Mom. I’m so sorry for the loss of this wonderful woman. As a Christian myself, I look forward to seeing her in heaven. So thankful for the hope we have through faith in Jesus Christ. May God comfort her family!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Diana Isbell (Auzenne)
left a message on May 28, 2022:
Karen was one of the staff leading the undergraduate chapter of IVCF when I was at Purdue in the early 2000s. She was integral in helping me through a difficult time of my life. I remember her meeting with me and leading me through a study of Romans and going to Belarus on a mission trip. She was very kind and gentle. God has used her greatly in my life and so many others. I will pray for strength and healing for Todd and the rest of the family.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:14
Laura Sawhill
left a message on May 28, 2022:
I got to know Karen when she was attending Willowdale Chapel in her college years, and got to witness her marriage to Todd in the same place. We kept in touch all of these years, despite not seeing one another very often. Karen had the most gentle spirit and beautiful smile. She was truly selfless - always asking about me and my family and how she could be praying - in the midst of her own suffering. I thank God that she is at peace now in Glory. I am praying for Todd, the children, her family and friends. Much love to you all.
Raphael Chung Kok Ann
left a message on May 28, 2022:
Hi Todd, my deepest condolences on the passing of Karen. May her soul find rest with our lord in heaven. May the lord comfort all of you in this time. Will pray for all of you. Be blessed.
Di Ullrich
left a message on May 28, 2022:
Oh Todd! So very sorry. I have been praying for you and the kids that you will feel the Lord's arms wrapped around you all. May He be your strength through this. May you have the support you need to live through this gracefully. Karen is such a sweet person, it was an honor to have known her. You WILL get through this.
Bobbie O’Sullivan
left a message on May 28, 2022:
Dear Todd,Bethany,Joshua,Kaitlyn, Bill,Pat and Loved Ones All,
IN MEMORY
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear. Author unknown
Karen is a treasure. I am so sorry for your loss. It is a gift to share her life
and know her love.
Deepest Sympathy
Bobbie O’Sullivan
Robert Nacke
left a message on May 27, 2022:
I will always remember Karen's kindness and guidance to me early in my faith journey. She was gentle, encouraging, and direct when needed. My heart is crushed knowing that she has passed, and yet comforted knowing that she is now with the Lord. I pray comfort and peace to Todd, her children, her parents, and those closest to her.
Everette Albrecht
left a message on May 26, 2022:
We have so enjoyed our fellowship with all of your family. We are so grieved at Karen's passing but also relieved that she is with the Lord and her sufferings are over. We will greatly miss her. You all are in our prayers. We love you. Everette and Sharon.
John and Carolyn Starkey
left a message on May 26, 2022:
Todd, we only know you, having never met your wife or children. It grieves us to know your loss and suffering now. We send our love and you have our prayers. May the Father encompass you in His strength and love for the days ahead.
Vesna
left a message on May 26, 2022:
Draga moja Sestro, bila si najdivnije biće na planeti! Borila si se lavovski i bila nam uzor svima. Još uvijek si! Živjećeš Sestro dok god smo mi živi. Volimo te puno i molimo se za cijelu porodicu. Tvoja porodica sa Grbavice - Dobrinka, Nešo, Nikola i Vesna
Rosanne Griggs
left a message on May 26, 2022:
Todd, David and Betty, I am so very sorry for your hardship, suffering and loss! I had hoped to attend the visitation tomorrow evening but I need to be in Indianapolis for my granddaughter’s high school graduation. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Rosanne (Sill) Griggs.
Niki Horowitz
left a message on May 25, 2022:
My heart goes out to you. Words can’t express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I understand how hard it is to lose a child and I’m thinking of you during this difficult time.
Jackie Kelly
left a message on May 25, 2022:
Karen was one of the kindest women I have ever met. She was gentle, caring, loving and to meet her was to meet Jesus. I met her through the Ladies' Bible Study in Sarajevo. She welcomed me into the group and into her home. I was blessed to have known her. My husband Ned and I are praying for you Todd and the children as you learn to live without her. We are praying you know His peace and His comfort through this very difficult time and in the days ahead.
Susan, Andy, Mike and Dena Wendle
left a message on May 25, 2022:
We are so grateful for Karen and the amazing life that she lived. Many people in Heaven will be thanking Karen for her role in introducing them to the Lord.
Jason Roehl
left a message on May 25, 2022:
Todd, Bethany, Joshua, and Kaitlyn, I just want you to know that there are many grieving with you, though we certainly don't feel your loss in the same way. But, take heart in knowing Karen finished her race, and has gotten to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and your separation will be brief in the context of eternity. We met when you spoke at Arise Christian Fellowship about your overseas mission work, and I also thank you all for answering that call and serving the Kingdom in that way. May your fond and joyful memories of Karen help ease the pain of grief, with the help of Jesus, in the days and weeks to come.
Dragan Nedic
left a message on May 25, 2022:
I didn't know Karen very well, although we met several times during her stay in Bosnia. However, the simple fact that she decided to join her husband in the mission to my country, the willingness to leave her homeland and travel across half the World to bless people who still have a huge need for the Gospel, speaks enough to me. Her life is a living expression of Jesus's love for my nation and I take this very personally. I will remember her, knowing that we will have all the eternity to get to know each other better.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Milena Selemba
left a message on May 25, 2022:
I met Karen and her family in Bosnia and Hercegovina. We both lived with our families in the capital city, Sarajevo and mostly we met at a playground. Most of the time she took the initiative for our meetings and our time together was always engouriging. She was so interested in my life and the life from others. She loved the bosnian culture and the bosnia people, made a lot of friendships and she was a loving heart!
The last 4 years we didn't see each other, because she was back in the States and I'm now living in Switzerland for 3 years. But our friendship was going on through all the time and all the troubles. And even when she was going through tough times she asked: And how can i pray for you?
I miss Karen, but I'm grateful that our path crossed and the blessing from God through her in my life! And I'm going on in my prayers for Todd and the children.
Mirzana
left a message on May 25, 2022:
My dear Karen, untill we see again somwhere above this sad world, I will hug our memories and miss you a lot. Rest in peace!
Susan McNulty-Atwater
left a message on May 25, 2022:
I met Karen when we were students at Penn State, both in CSF. She was such a kind, caring, selfless, and genuine person who loved Jesus and others, so much more than herself. I was not surprised when she graduated and went into ministry. I can’t even imagine how many people came to know Jesus because they saw His spirit living out in Karen’s life. She made an impact on so many people in this world, and worked tirelessly as a recruiter for the Lord’s Kingdom. My prayers and sympathy pour out to Todd, Bethany, Joshua, and Kaitlyn, Mr. and Mrs. Kotkin, and Karen’s sister, Jennifer, and brother. May you have peace and comfort knowing Karen is near her Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven….I’m so grateful for having been her friend, she made me a better person.
Taylor Irby
left a message on May 25, 2022:
Oh Karen. What a joy and honor to be your friend. We walked many years together in Sarajevo from those early days of pushing multiple children in strollers, to the last day together in my garden over tea where you shared with us your possible health struggle and we prayed for you, to find out a month later you had cancer. Then all those messages back and forth and phone calls/Zoom calls. And I'm so glad we got a chance to fly up and visit you. Those days together remain some of my favorite times even though I know you were struggling. I wish things were different and you were still here. I know you are eating an amazing feast after all those food restrictions! Finally free. I'll see you there, my friend. Love you so so much.
Amy Laffey Cregar
left a message on May 24, 2022:
You were such a sweet, kind soul. I remember going to Longwood with you and us dreaming of creating our own Longwood. I did the architecture and you did the plants. That would have been cool! Prayers to your beautiful family. I am so happy that I got to meet your kids that one afternoon at Megan's house. The world will not be the same without you.
Donna and Jerry Gray
left a message on May 24, 2022:
Karen was a pure spirit ,who’s love filled the air to everyone around her. Knowing there is another Angel watching over us, and she is at peace in God’s arms, I hope will bring comfort to us. Love to her family and prayers.
Donna and Jerry Gray
Randi Rosenblatt
left a message on May 24, 2022:
It is never easy to say goodbye to someone so young with so much to live for. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone with children about to navigate a very difficult time in their lives. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone who has dedicated their life to helping others. We can only be consoled in knowing that her time with us was to repair the world and for that we can be thankful. She will be missed.
Margaret Minges
left a message on May 24, 2022:
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to all of Karen's family.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Margaret Minges
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Chuck & Debi Muhly
left a message on June 12, 2022:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kotkin family. Karen was always such a bright light in our lives back in UHS and URA days.
Life is truly a gift! Although Karen’s life was cut short her Faith and example of life she lived has and will continue to touch and inspire many of us.
Therese Barron
left a message on May 29, 2022:
Karen’s friendship was such a gift to me. She reached out to me at a difficult time and became such a dear friend and prayer partner. She was a gift from God to me and I loved her dearly. I will be forever grateful for her friendship. Her faith and trust were a constant encouragement to me.
Tracy Karas
left a message on May 28, 2022:
I met Karen in Sarajevo at a Ladies’ Bible Study. She showed me a heart of love, understanding, and a genuine interest in getting to know me and my family personally. Her love for God and others was evident. Her beautiful smile, attentive ears, wise words, and heartfelt prayers comforted me often! I’m so thankful God allowed our paths to cross. Thank you for offering the memorial service online- it was a true blessing. My deepest condolences to Todd, Bethany, Josh, Kaitlyn, and the entire family. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth Carlson
left a message on May 28, 2022:
What a beautiful memorial service for Karen! I will never forget how beautiful she looked on her wedding day and now she looks even more beautiful in the arms of Jesus. I will always remember her as a prayer warrior who would ask how she could pray for us. Her great faith in the power of prayer inspires us to pray for Todd, Bethany, Josh, and Kaitlyn before school and bedtime.
Margie Booth Bowling
left a message on May 28, 2022:
I was Karen’s JV field hockey coach in high school for my first year of teaching. Karen was one of my captains and had the sweetest and kindest personality. There are only a handful of students/players that have a positive impact on you and Karen was definitely one of those. Her smile lit up the field! I’m not surprised that she served the Lord as a missionary, caring for the elderly, and as a wonderful wife and Mom. I’m so sorry for the loss of this wonderful woman. As a Christian myself, I look forward to seeing her in heaven. So thankful for the hope we have through faith in Jesus Christ. May God comfort her family!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Diana Isbell (Auzenne)
left a message on May 28, 2022:
Karen was one of the staff leading the undergraduate chapter of IVCF when I was at Purdue in the early 2000s. She was integral in helping me through a difficult time of my life. I remember her meeting with me and leading me through a study of Romans and going to Belarus on a mission trip. She was very kind and gentle. God has used her greatly in my life and so many others. I will pray for strength and healing for Todd and the rest of the family.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:14
Laura Sawhill
left a message on May 28, 2022:
I got to know Karen when she was attending Willowdale Chapel in her college years, and got to witness her marriage to Todd in the same place. We kept in touch all of these years, despite not seeing one another very often. Karen had the most gentle spirit and beautiful smile. She was truly selfless - always asking about me and my family and how she could be praying - in the midst of her own suffering. I thank God that she is at peace now in Glory. I am praying for Todd, the children, her family and friends. Much love to you all.
Raphael Chung Kok Ann
left a message on May 28, 2022:
Hi Todd, my deepest condolences on the passing of Karen. May her soul find rest with our lord in heaven. May the lord comfort all of you in this time. Will pray for all of you. Be blessed.
Di Ullrich
left a message on May 28, 2022:
Oh Todd! So very sorry. I have been praying for you and the kids that you will feel the Lord's arms wrapped around you all. May He be your strength through this. May you have the support you need to live through this gracefully. Karen is such a sweet person, it was an honor to have known her. You WILL get through this.
Bobbie O’Sullivan
left a message on May 28, 2022:
Dear Todd,Bethany,Joshua,Kaitlyn, Bill,Pat and Loved Ones All,
IN MEMORY
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear. Author unknown
Karen is a treasure. I am so sorry for your loss. It is a gift to share her life
and know her love.
Deepest Sympathy
Bobbie O’Sullivan
Robert Nacke
left a message on May 27, 2022:
I will always remember Karen's kindness and guidance to me early in my faith journey. She was gentle, encouraging, and direct when needed. My heart is crushed knowing that she has passed, and yet comforted knowing that she is now with the Lord. I pray comfort and peace to Todd, her children, her parents, and those closest to her.
Everette Albrecht
left a message on May 26, 2022:
We have so enjoyed our fellowship with all of your family. We are so grieved at Karen's passing but also relieved that she is with the Lord and her sufferings are over. We will greatly miss her. You all are in our prayers. We love you. Everette and Sharon.
John and Carolyn Starkey
left a message on May 26, 2022:
Todd, we only know you, having never met your wife or children. It grieves us to know your loss and suffering now. We send our love and you have our prayers. May the Father encompass you in His strength and love for the days ahead.
Vesna
left a message on May 26, 2022:
Draga moja Sestro, bila si najdivnije biće na planeti! Borila si se lavovski i bila nam uzor svima. Još uvijek si! Živjećeš Sestro dok god smo mi živi. Volimo te puno i molimo se za cijelu porodicu. Tvoja porodica sa Grbavice - Dobrinka, Nešo, Nikola i Vesna
Rosanne Griggs
left a message on May 26, 2022:
Todd, David and Betty, I am so very sorry for your hardship, suffering and loss! I had hoped to attend the visitation tomorrow evening but I need to be in Indianapolis for my granddaughter’s high school graduation. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Rosanne (Sill) Griggs.
Niki Horowitz
left a message on May 25, 2022:
My heart goes out to you. Words can’t express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I understand how hard it is to lose a child and I’m thinking of you during this difficult time.
Jackie Kelly
left a message on May 25, 2022:
Karen was one of the kindest women I have ever met. She was gentle, caring, loving and to meet her was to meet Jesus. I met her through the Ladies' Bible Study in Sarajevo. She welcomed me into the group and into her home. I was blessed to have known her. My husband Ned and I are praying for you Todd and the children as you learn to live without her. We are praying you know His peace and His comfort through this very difficult time and in the days ahead.
Susan, Andy, Mike and Dena Wendle
left a message on May 25, 2022:
We are so grateful for Karen and the amazing life that she lived. Many people in Heaven will be thanking Karen for her role in introducing them to the Lord.
Jason Roehl
left a message on May 25, 2022:
Todd, Bethany, Joshua, and Kaitlyn, I just want you to know that there are many grieving with you, though we certainly don't feel your loss in the same way. But, take heart in knowing Karen finished her race, and has gotten to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and your separation will be brief in the context of eternity. We met when you spoke at Arise Christian Fellowship about your overseas mission work, and I also thank you all for answering that call and serving the Kingdom in that way. May your fond and joyful memories of Karen help ease the pain of grief, with the help of Jesus, in the days and weeks to come.
Dragan Nedic
left a message on May 25, 2022:
I didn't know Karen very well, although we met several times during her stay in Bosnia. However, the simple fact that she decided to join her husband in the mission to my country, the willingness to leave her homeland and travel across half the World to bless people who still have a huge need for the Gospel, speaks enough to me. Her life is a living expression of Jesus's love for my nation and I take this very personally. I will remember her, knowing that we will have all the eternity to get to know each other better.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Milena Selemba
left a message on May 25, 2022:
I met Karen and her family in Bosnia and Hercegovina. We both lived with our families in the capital city, Sarajevo and mostly we met at a playground. Most of the time she took the initiative for our meetings and our time together was always engouriging. She was so interested in my life and the life from others. She loved the bosnian culture and the bosnia people, made a lot of friendships and she was a loving heart!
The last 4 years we didn't see each other, because she was back in the States and I'm now living in Switzerland for 3 years. But our friendship was going on through all the time and all the troubles. And even when she was going through tough times she asked: And how can i pray for you?
I miss Karen, but I'm grateful that our path crossed and the blessing from God through her in my life! And I'm going on in my prayers for Todd and the children.
Mirzana
left a message on May 25, 2022:
My dear Karen, untill we see again somwhere above this sad world, I will hug our memories and miss you a lot. Rest in peace!
Susan McNulty-Atwater
left a message on May 25, 2022:
I met Karen when we were students at Penn State, both in CSF. She was such a kind, caring, selfless, and genuine person who loved Jesus and others, so much more than herself. I was not surprised when she graduated and went into ministry. I can’t even imagine how many people came to know Jesus because they saw His spirit living out in Karen’s life. She made an impact on so many people in this world, and worked tirelessly as a recruiter for the Lord’s Kingdom. My prayers and sympathy pour out to Todd, Bethany, Joshua, and Kaitlyn, Mr. and Mrs. Kotkin, and Karen’s sister, Jennifer, and brother. May you have peace and comfort knowing Karen is near her Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven….I’m so grateful for having been her friend, she made me a better person.
Taylor Irby
left a message on May 25, 2022:
Oh Karen. What a joy and honor to be your friend. We walked many years together in Sarajevo from those early days of pushing multiple children in strollers, to the last day together in my garden over tea where you shared with us your possible health struggle and we prayed for you, to find out a month later you had cancer. Then all those messages back and forth and phone calls/Zoom calls. And I'm so glad we got a chance to fly up and visit you. Those days together remain some of my favorite times even though I know you were struggling. I wish things were different and you were still here. I know you are eating an amazing feast after all those food restrictions! Finally free. I'll see you there, my friend. Love you so so much.
Amy Laffey Cregar
left a message on May 24, 2022:
You were such a sweet, kind soul. I remember going to Longwood with you and us dreaming of creating our own Longwood. I did the architecture and you did the plants. That would have been cool! Prayers to your beautiful family. I am so happy that I got to meet your kids that one afternoon at Megan's house. The world will not be the same without you.
Donna and Jerry Gray
left a message on May 24, 2022:
Karen was a pure spirit ,who’s love filled the air to everyone around her. Knowing there is another Angel watching over us, and she is at peace in God’s arms, I hope will bring comfort to us. Love to her family and prayers.
Donna and Jerry Gray
Randi Rosenblatt
left a message on May 24, 2022:
It is never easy to say goodbye to someone so young with so much to live for. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone with children about to navigate a very difficult time in their lives. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone who has dedicated their life to helping others. We can only be consoled in knowing that her time with us was to repair the world and for that we can be thankful. She will be missed.
Margaret Minges
left a message on May 24, 2022:
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to all of Karen's family.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Margaret Minges
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.