Lori Jo (Wasmer) Kardell, 71, passed away unexpectedly on January 7, 2026, at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Lori was born on January 27, 1954, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to the late Charles and Martha Ann (Crum) Karst. She was a 1972 graduate of Mishawaka High School. On June 23, 1973 she married her first husband Philip Wasmer who preceded her in death. She attended Saint Mark's Missionary Church, where her faith was a guiding force in her life. Lori's life was centered on her faith, her family, and the simple routines that brought her peace.

She found joy in both simple pleasures and meaningful traditions. She loved crocheting, reading, gardening, listening to music, and playing card games—especially when shared with family and friends. She had a lifelong love for animals and was rarely without her beloved dogs, who were among her closest companions. She cherished time spent on the water, whether boating on the pontoon or dreaming of and traveling to places she loved, including the Bahamas and the ocean beyond.

Lori took great pride in her work and especially cherished her time at Instant Copy, where she worked in customer service. Her most memorable job, not only because she enjoyed helping others, but because of the friendships she formed there—friends she considered family. She also worked as an account coordinator, bringing the same care, dedication, and attention to detail to every role she held.

A devoted Notre Dame football fan, Lori also delighted in life's small comforts—popcorn, Bonnie Doon ice cream trips with her mother and sister, and quiet afternoons filled with laughter and conversation. Her faith remained central to her life, and she found great joy in church, singing in the choir, and spending time with her sisters. Above all else, Lori treasured her children and grandchildren, who were the heart of her world.

Above all, Lori was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a caring sister. She is survived by her husband, Allen Kardell; her children, Jackie (Thomas) Grayson-Zielinski and Kevin (Mindy) Wasmer; and her beloved grandchildren, Xavier, Alivia, Audrey, Ian, Nolan and Makenzie. She is also survived by her sisters, Gail (Jan) Whitehead and MariLou Gilman (preceded in death by her husband, Chuck) ; her nieces, Tracey Stanfield, Jennifer (Brian) DuFresne, and Jessica (Brady) Balls; and numerous friends and associates who were touched by her kindness, faith, and fun-loving nature.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 15, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning immediately at 3:00 p.m., all at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana, 46561.

To leave a remembrance of Lori or to offer condolences to her family, please visit https://www.chapelhillmemorial.com/obituaries/