Karen Jo VanderZand, age 61, died Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 at home in Wayland.
Karen had open arms and an open heart; she made family of everyone with whom she came into contact and those who needed a home. She will be deeply missed by all.
She is survived by her children, Sallie Emert, Billy (Becky) Morris, Natasha Whipple, Brandi (Shawn) King, Sally (Trevor) Tobias, Amy Hall, Austin Emert and many step and adopted children; 64 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings Bobbie (Jim) Snyder, Barb DeJong, Shiela Lawrence; and many extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Sallie Morris; son, John Wayne Reniff; son-in-law, Stuart Alan Whipple; grandson, Jonathan Jacob Morris; brother, Larry David Morris Jr.; and sister, Gail Lynn Snyder.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home – Wayland Chapel, 312 N. Main St., with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service.
In memory of Karen and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the COPD Foundation.
