Karen Marie Blaauw, age 70, died Saturday, Dec. 7, after an 18+ year battle with frontotemporal dementia.
She was born Sept. 10, 1954, in Allegan to Don and Joan Sebright.
Karen grew up on a dairy farm in Martin ,where she was taught responsibility and hard work. After graduating from Martin High School, she attended Chic cosmetology school. On July 9, 1983, she married Ken Blaauw and continued to work hard on his family farm while styling hair from the salon in her home.
Karen developed many friendships over the course of 38 years as a cosmetologist and touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, painting, decorating, and sewing as well. She attended Watson Bible Church most of her adult life.
Karen leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Ken; children Keri (Marc) Erffmeyer, Kirk (Alishia) Blaauw, Klint (Ashley) Blaauw; grandchildren Jordyn, Henry, Dexter, Raelynn, Emry and Sawyer Blaauw; siblings Doug (Darlene) Sebright, Tom (Pamela) Sebright; sisters-in-law Mary Reurink, Carol (Dennis) Dornbush, Janet (Michael) Bremer, Nancy Blaauw; brother-in-law, Richard (Terry) Blaauw.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Nancy Lautenschleger and Teresa Empie; brothers-in-law Gary Empie and Richard Reurink.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 4125 18th St., Dorr, Services will be held st 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Karen, contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.
