Karen B. Hermanson

When reflecting on the life of Karen Hermanson, it is amazing to see how the tender touch of just one woman can affect the lives of so many others. Her life was full of unconditional love for those around her and her warm smile could brighten even the darkest of days. Karen was blessed with an inquisitive mind and an insatiable thirst for learning everything she could about the world around her. It was evident by the way she lived her life that Karen possessed a vibrant faith that was both her constant companion and the light that guided her every step. A true gift to those around her, Karen leaves behind a sparkling mosaic of memories that will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of those who loved her. As the forties dawned, Americans were holding on to hope for a reprieve from the hardships of the Great Depression that had oppressed our nation and most of the world throughout the entire decade of the thirties. As WWII raged on overseas, the United States remained neutral for the time being. Amidst this eventful time there was great joy for the family of Harvey and Dorothy (Leenstra) Hermanson since it was on March 27, 1940, that they welcomed their daughter, Karen, into their family. Karen was born in Muskegon, Michigan, as the second of four children in her family that included her older sister, Janice, and her younger brothers, John and George. Her father worked as a printer while her mother was a homemaker and a teachers aide. When she was just 15 months old, Karen contracted encephalitis with a remarkably high temperature that caused febrile seizures and left her with brain damage. She lived in Muskegon all her life and attended special education classes. The relationship that was of the greatest significance to Karen was the one she shared with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her life was a continual reflection of the love, faith, and trust she found in her relationship with Him. Karen grew up at Central Reformed Church and later attended Broadway Baptist Church. She also treasured the time she spent at Friendship Club on Thursday evenings through the Friendship Ministries of Hope Reformed Church. Throughout her life, nothing brought greater joy to Karen than the people placed in her path. She enjoyed fun-filled vacations with her family to Massachusetts, Florida, Mackinac Island,and Wisconsin, when she became a good map reader and navigator. She loved camping, too. Karen formed many priceless friendships through her involvement in Day Break Adult Day Services that meant the world to her. She treasured the close relationship she shared with her friend, Nancy Coberly, although there were so many others who enriched her life as well. Karen worked at Goodwill Industries for 33 years and attended their sheltered workshops and teaching programs. She loved bowling with her bowling team, the Goodwillies, on Monday nights. Karens average was 130, but her best game was 198. Those who knew Karen were well aware of her inquisitive mind and that her wheels were always turning. She was constantly asking what things meant and nothing ever got past her. When on a trip with her sister Jan on one occasion, Karen kept inundating her sister with so many questions that Jan had to ask her to stop so she could rest her brain for a moment. Karen was quick to reply, Dont you want me to learn anything? She was an avid reader who also enjoyed puzzle books, word searches, and copying poems. Although Karen received many medals, ribbons, and achievement diplomas through various activities she was a part of, but her most notable accomplishments were the lives she touched along her lifes journey. Through her love and innocence, she drew others to her, creating friendships too numerous to count. Karen was genuinely concerned about what was going on in the lives of those around her and never forgot a name. Life is full of things for all of us to learn, and Karen Hermanson taught us to look at life through different eyes. There was never a person who met Karen that left the same person they were before as her true inner beauty radiated from her every thought, word, and deed. Karen never complained about the hardships that came her way and revealed to others so much about the things in life that are truly important. As her family and friends now say goodbye, they will forever consider themselves blessed to have been touched by such an extraordinary woman. Karen will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Karen B. Hermanson died on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Karens family includes her sister, Janice Hermanson of Allendale; brothers, John (Barbara) Hermanson of N. Muskegon and George (Pat) Hermanson of Naples, FL; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. A service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2010 11:00 a.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI, with Pastor Delbert Yoder officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. Visit with Karens family and friends on Friday, 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Day Break Adult Day Services or Friendship Ministries of Hope Reformed Church.