Karla F Aaron

Karla Fankhauser Aaron

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Karla Ann Fankhauser Aaron, a woman of boundless energy, intelligence and kindness. Karla was born March 12, 1961 in Columbus, OH, and transitioned out of this life on May 27, 2026 at her home in Plantation, FL with her sister Kelly by her side. The cause of death was glioblastoma. Through her journey of 65 years, Karla touched many lives with her wisdom, smile, and unwavering sense of perseverance.

Karla enjoyed an idyllic childhood growing up in NW Ohio. After arriving in Toledo from Seattle where her father was an aeronautical engineer for the Boeing company, she embraced all things life in the suburbs provided. Being a child of the 60’s and 70’s and having the luxury of being raised by a devoted stay-at-home mother, she was able to experience a fun-filled, carefree youth: walking to grade school, participating in tennis, swimming, gymnastics, dance and boating. She was a three-year varsity cheerleader and first chair clarinetist for high school band, orchestra and Chamber music groups. Karla was chosen to participate in local, state and regional youth orchestras, and continued playing when she went to the University of Michigan. Later in life, she joined the local Broward College Symphonic Band here in Ft. Lauderdale where she continued to make music. In addition, she was a talented pianist. She loved playing classical music, Christmas favorites, and mastered the difficult challenge of ragtime songs.

Karla was fortunate to experience travel at a young age. She took trips to Central America and Europe while in her teens. This early taste of travel developed into an unquenchable desire to see the world.

After receiving her Engineering degree from the University of Michigan in 1983, Karla was hired by Abbott Labs and moved to Chicago and then to Dallas. She met and married Steve Aaron. Although they parted company, Karla remained lifelong friends with his family.

Soon, Karla was offered the opportunity to take over Hialeah Metal Spinning, Inc., the family manufacturing business in south Florida. She purchased the company from her father and assumed the responsibility of being a second-generation owner, growing the company and becoming a force in the male dominated world of metal forming. She had wonderful employees and thought of them as an extended family.

She was active in many professional associations, usually being one of just a few women in these groups. She was elected to leadership roles in those associations. Karla embraced the fraternity of “The Guys” and their spouses and developed amazing relationships while attending meetings and traveling with these beloved friends. Her woman-based CEO group gave her immeasurable joy. They are Magnificent!

Karla was twice invited to the White House as a woman in manufacturing to meet with the President. Seated next to GW Bush in the Roosevelt Room, she discussed the current state of metal manufacturing and fabrication, as well as the beautiful tulips on the WH grounds.

She took pride in being professional and knowledgeable. She was a lifelong learner. She had a passion for understanding new things and an unwavering sense of right and wrong. When she identified something that needed to be improved, she would create a plan of attack and execute that plan. She believed any situation could be optimized and would enthusiastically offer a task list to facilitate her vision to those around her. Her note taking and list making were epic…ticking off those lists was mandatory. She believed in doing everything correctly and completely.

In 2020, she sold HMS to her plant manager and remained involved as an advisor. Karla then transitioned to a chapter of life of greater freedom. Traveling with her best friend Brent Bender, she found great joy in extended adventures exploring the world. They visited the great cultural centers of Europe, the natural wonders of North America, and enjoyed long trips to Australia and New Zealand. Exploring the countryside outside of the city was her passion.

While abroad, she and Brent searched for pipe organ recitals in ancient cathedrals, local community symphonies and choir concerts, as well as barbershop, marching band and bagpipe music at Celtic Festivals.

She had time to spend with her mom in Ohio, taking her on trips to upstate New York where her mom was raised. She also visited weekly with her dad in Naples, where she befriended the lovely people at Bentley Village.

She fulfilled her long-time ambition to learn ballroom dancing. Karla was extremely active throughout her life, devoting many hours per week to working out, cycling, swimming, playing tennis, doing Pilates and walking. She began training with coaches in her early 40’s, and those relationships developed into deep and lasting friendships. Her joy in movement and appetite for mastering difficult exercises was recognized by those in her gym, gaining the nickname "Spark Plug” for her boundless energy.

Walking in nature was one of Karla’s greatest joys. She delighted in investigating exotic locations, surrounded by natural wonders, always eager to see what was around the next corner. She was equally happy to walk in a nearby park. Being out in nature was her spiritual balm. She would often call a friend and ask to join her for a walk. After her expedition, she needed gelato, chocolate, or cookies and a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Karla loved her nephews Erik and Jake dearly and welcomed Erik’s wife Laurie with open arms. Karla looked forward to family gatherings where she enjoyed participating in games, helping with advanced math homework, and baking homemade goodies. She was a puzzler extraordinaire, allowing herself one quick glimpse of the puzzle cover before cranking out the completed product. She was thrilled knowing she would soon be a great aunt. Her love also extended to the cats that shared her life: Larry, Megan and Marty.

Karla was a force of nature, known for her boundless energy, radiant smile and an infectious enthusiasm that would light up any room. Her vivacious spirit, relentless drive, and deep devotion to family and friends were an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Karla leaves behind her parents, Mona Milligan Nobrega and E. William Fankhauser. Her sisters Tara Fankhauser and Kelly Styacich, as well as her wonderful brother-in-law Mark Styacich. Nephews Erik and Jacob Styacich, and Erik’s wife Laurie Styacich. She will be dearly missed by her life partner and loving companion, Brent Bender.

An Open House Memorial will be held at her house on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1:00 – 4:00. Come share your stories and experiences. Light refreshments will be served.

Karla was inspired by a Robert Redford quote: “This world can overwhelm. But if you slow down and sit under a tree long enough, it’ll tell you everything. And if you forget who you are, draw something. Or walk alone. Nature remembers you.” Karla requested that those wishing to donate something please consider planting a tree in her honor. Or, take a moment to enjoy a path in nature with someone you love. Then, get a gelato.....

https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/plant-trees-honor-your-loved-ones