Lynda Kay (Nielsen) Karel

Sumter, SC .......... Lynda Kay Nielsen Karel, age 80, beloved wife of 60 years to Robert James Karel, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family.

Born in Pensacola, FL, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Nielsen and Evelyn Larson Nielsen.  After graduating high school, Lynda went on to obtain a master’s degree in education and enjoyed a very long successful career as a math teacher.  She taught at Gilbert High School, Thomas Sumter Academy, and the University of South Carolina.  In addition to teaching there were many hobbies that she enjoyed, such as gardening, sewing, traveling, and shopping.  However, Lynda was an avid dancer especially round dancing, line dancing and square dancing.  Her true joy in life was spending time with her family.  She will be remembered as a very loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.  She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her husband, Robert, she is survived by two sons, Tom Karel and wife Daphne of Greenwood, SC, and Scott Karel of Sumter, SC; a brother Ron Nielsen and wife Chris of Elizabeth, CO; a sister, Debbie Vance and husband John of Coleman, TX; four grandchildren, Jennifer Michaloski and husband Gabriel, David Karel, Kathy Randall and husband Jonathan, and Rebecca Karel; and three great grandchildren, Mark, Hudson, and Rhodes.

A visitation will be held on Thursday July 10, 2025, one hour prior to the service from 11:00-12:00 pm at Bullock Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 12:00 pm in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wes Conner officiating. 

The interment will follow the service at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

Donations may be made in memory of Lynda to, Alzheimer’s Association Midlands office, 140 Stoneridge Dr., Suite 640, Columbia, SC 29210.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

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