Karen E. Kooistra

Karen E. Kooistra (Roepcke)  age 70 of Grand Rapids, died peacefully at home on April 1, 2021 after a long illness. She is now in the presence of God and rejoined with her beloved father and mother Rev. Barney D and Lois Roepcke.

Karen graduated from Alma College (Fine Arts) and began her career as a display artist for Steketee’s, Gantos and Jacobson’s in Grand Rapids, MI before moving to Buffalo, NY. She completed her Master’s in Education at SUNY, Buffalo and taught at Headstart for several years. Karen returned to Grand Rapids to be near family and friends and created a home décor business along with working at Meijer until her retirement in 2016.

Karen held a quiet Christian faith and practiced kindness, empathy and generosity all of her life.

She is survived by her brother Tom (Gail) Roepcke, nephews Cory (Emilie) Roepcke and David (Jackie) Roepcke and will also be dearly missed by many special friends and her loyal dog, Bogie.

Gifts may be made in Karen’s memory to Emmanuel Hospice, Grand Rapids.

A private memorial service is planned.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen E. Kooistra, please visit our floral store.