Mrs. Karen Lynn Jelsema

Birth date: Oct 11, 1949 Death date: Sep 6, 2013

Karen, our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away from this earthly life on September 6, 2013 in Grand Haven, Michigan, after a long and courageous battle with disease. Karen was born in Grand Rapids on Oct Read Obituary

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Barb Andreas

628w ago

Tom, Chad and Jeff, There are no words that I can say. No wisdom I can share. I can only pray that the words and wisdom of our Savior, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Will somehow bring comfort, peace and hope to your life. We were so saddened to hear the news of Karen's passing. My heart aches. My deepest sympathy to you. She was such a dear cousin to me. Our family loved the visits you two made to CA to stay with us. The boat ride that the 4 of us took on Newport Harbor will be a cherished, wonderfully FUN memory. We had a ball. Such good times together. Beautiful time with beautiful company. Visiting you two in Spring Lake, watching the boats cruise by while we chatted the afternoon away. Having lunch off the beautifully bright colored, mismatched dishes - so festive. Karen said, "I learned that trick from my sister in New Mexico!" I admired the pillows Karen made from old fashioned bedspreads. Beautiful work. We stopped at the Antique Mall and she showed us the space that she and Tom tend. She said, "Take what you like. We have scads more in the garage!” I took Karen up on her offer and grabbed, "Best of the Best from Michigan" cookbook. Karen would laugh at me that I have the cookbook nestled with other cookbooks on a bookshelf because it looks cute....and have yet to cook anything from the cookbook! Tom, Karen and Jerry and I would watch Pawn Stars and guess at the cost of things. I will miss her wit, warmth and friendship. I loved her dearly. By God's loving grace, Karen is with our Heavenly Father. Praise God her heartache and sickness have been healed. Thank you, Lord!
"1.Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Psalm 103: 1-4 "

Tom,
with deepest sympathy we extend our love and prayers to you during this very difficult time,
Jerry, Barb, Ben and Lisa Andreas

Ellen

630w ago

To all of Karen's loved ones:
So much love is sent with this message! We are so far away but we are upholding you in daily prayer. It is our fervent prayer that the Spirit will provide supernatural comfort to sustain you in the weeks, months and years that follow this heart-breaking loss; may hope in our Heavenly Father's reliable promises bring light to the darkest places and toughest moments. We are grateful that you can rest in the joy that Karen is feasting with her Savior and enjoying complete health and perfect bliss; and in the joy that someday all of us will join Karen at an Eternal FAMILY REUNION. :)

Cousin Ellen & Scott Korthuis, Lynden WA

Brenda Wiersma

631w ago

Dear Tom, Jeff and Chad,
We have not seen you for many years but we are saddened by Karen's death. We hold fond memories of her, especially at the Wiersma family Christmas parties and showers. She always knew how to bring a smile to everyone she encountered. We pray that God will comfort you in your great loss.
Dave and Brenda Wiersma

Brian Cisek

631w ago

It is with great sadness that I learned about Karen's passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this most difficult time.

Sherron Collins

631w ago

in honor of Karen.

I knew Karen most in the Grand Rapids days, as a fellow La Leche League Leader. We worked together on several big projects, and she was always cheerful, helpful, and knowledgeable..She's gone too soon. May your memories be a comfort, Tom and boys.

A large, lit white candle with a subtle wax drip on a beige background, accompanied by a white and pink paper flower on the right side.

Sue Vos

631w ago

Dear Tom and boys, I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. She was an absolute joy to work with at Calvin Chr. She became such a special part of the staff at the elementary building. We were blessed to call her friend. I rejoice that she loved the Lord and I will see her again one day in heaven. Lifting prayers for your family. Sue Vos

Sara Mack

631w ago

Tom - Karen will be greatly missed, but every time I walk past her/your booth, I will remember her. We had good laughs and shared many stories. Karen pushed so hard for recovery, with dignity. When you close your eyes, I hope you can see the good times. -Sara (and Gary)

Deb

631w ago

Our sympathy to you Tom, and to your boys as well, at the loss of Karen. I enjoyed working with her at Calvin Christian and having her as a bus driver for our kids too.
We have good memories of you and Karen! Lots of laughter. May you feel God's arms wrapped around you as you mourn the loss of your dear wife.
Phil and Deb Ouwinga

Nancy Baarda Matthysse

631w ago

Tom, Jeff & Chad, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Karen from working with her at Calvin Chr Flower Sales (a long time ago) and her laugh & energy. And then she told me who she was married to & I realized it was who I grew up with- my neighbor on Eola St.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Nancy Baarda Matthysse

Howland

631w ago

Our prayers are with you and your family Tom.
Nancy and Dave Howland

Barb Andreas

628w ago

Tom,
with deepest sympathy we extend our love and prayers to you during this very difficult time,
Jerry, Barb, Ben and Lisa Andreas

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