Mary Skoglund
I just came across this obituary and it saddens my heart. I was Karen’s first grade teacher at List School in Frankenmuth, and I have warm memories of the child she was then. I have a vivid memory of dropping off homework at the Kar home on Genesee Avenue when Karen was fighting a virus and was unable to attend school. Yes, Karen was ill, but so were Krista, Kevin, Kathy and Kelley. I remember the bunk beds full of sick kids, with the baby on Ellie’s hip, and wondered how that mom could smile and get it all together. Years later, after I had four kids, I figured it out. Louis and Ellie were great parents. I remember when Karen got her eye glasses. Louis and Ellie did a great job of pumping her up about them, and honestly, she looked so cute wearing them. Karen was the youngest member of my class and she was one of the sweetest children I ever taught. As the oldest of the five children in her family, she was a cheerleader for all her siblings, particularly Krista and Kevin. She joyfully celebrated their accomplishments with great pride. School at that time of her life was difficult for Karen, but she worked very hard at learning to read. She wanted to be successful. Because she was one of my most precious first graders, I looked up the Kar family online, I have lived in Holland for 47 years, and I wish I had known she lived so close to me. I would have loved seeing the adult she became. I am happy she became a mom and grandmother because I remember what a champion she was for those she loved. I am so sorry her life was too brief and you had to part with this beautiful soul. I will remember her always.
