Carmen Krumel

Carmen Joanne Krumel, 89, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. She was born on January 13, 1936, in Stryker, Ohio, where she grew up on a farm and attended school. In high school, Carmen was active as a cheerleader and was honored as homecoming queen.

After graduation, Carmen set out to travel across the country before earning her pilot’s license. She worked at Aero, where she met her future husband, Fred Eugene Krumel, through his twin brother, Paul. At 19, she and Fred married and began their life together. They built their home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and later in Columbus, Ohio, where they lovingly raised their four children. This November would have marked their 70th wedding anniversary—a testament to their enduring love and partnership.

Carmen loved music, especially the piano playing of her namesake, Aunt Carmen. We all greatly enjoyed years of Gaither gospel songs playing in the background of our home. It set the stage for a peaceful home life and rich memories. Throughout her life, she always put her family first and did what was best for them. She was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her legacy will live on through them.

Carmen faced all of her challenges in life through her deep faith in Jesus Christ, her Savior. Worship brought her great peace, and her faith was a source of strength and guidance throughout her life. Carmen and Fred Krumel’s faith continues to be a solid foundation for their children, their grandchildren, and someday their great-grandchildren.

She was such a wonderful cook, and we will greatly miss her cooking. Her warmth and care in preparing meals brought comfort and joy to those she loved. Just as lasting was her deep compassion for people who were less fortunate or hurting—a spirit of kindness that lives on in her children. Her family feels deeply grateful and blessed beyond measure to have shared life with her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Fred; their children, Dianne Veltum, David Krumel, Laurie Nelson, and Amy Pavolino; her 16 grandchildren, Emily Ellis, Lynn Veltum, David Veltum, Andy Krumel, Megan Donovan, Melissa Griffiths, Emma Sillin, Isaac Nelson, Rebekah Nelson, Brianna Bowman, Isaiah Nelson, Darian Nelson, Willow Nelson, Marah Nelson, Dakalah Nelson, and Ashley Snyder; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Melvin.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 22, at Northlawn Memory Gardens, 7060 State Route 3, Westerville, Ohio.