Karen L. Van Zandt

Karen L. Van Zandt Kalamazoo It is with great sadness that the family of Karen Louise Van Zandt announces her passing on Thursday morning November 4, 2010. After a brief battle with cancer, Karen passed away at the age of 66 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born August 3, 1944 in Mount Clemens, MI the daughter of Carl W. Ratzow and Elma (Bures) Ratzow. Karen was employed by Consumers Energy for 42 years in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and the Lansing areas. She retired from there in 2007. Karen married Ray D. Van Zandt on October 4, 1969 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Battle Creek; however the marriage ended in divorce. Karen is survived by her two loving daughters: Sarah and John Boven of Plainwell, MI, and Jennifer and David Grace of Vicksburg, MI; her long time companion and best friend - Les Gearhart of Kalamazoo, MI; five grandchildren: Shelby Grace and Casey Grace both of Vicksburg, MI; Jordan Grace of Ada, Ohio; Sadie Boven and Lucas Boven both of Plainwell, MI; two sisters: Elma Carpenter and Virgene (R. Douglas) Franks all of Battle Creek, MI; and Maggie her dog. She was preceded in death by her father: Carl Ratzow, her mother Elma Ratzow, her former husband: Ray Van Zandt, and brother in law - Arthur Carpenter. Karen graduated in 1962 from Union City High School, studied at KCC for 2 years. She came to Battle Creek in the early 1960's from Union City and moved to Kalamazoo in 1994 to be close to her daughters. Karen enjoyed traveling and reading; however, her favorite past time was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Visitation will be held at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, 223 North Bedford Road after 9 a.m. Monday, November 8th where the family will be present from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. Funeral services commemorating the wonderful life of Karen will be held Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the Bachman Funeral Chapel. Pastor Rob M. Link of The River officiating. Burial will follow at 12 noon Tuesday at the Riverside Cemetery in Union City, MI. Memorial tributes may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, SPCA of Southwest Michigan, Salvation Army, or Kalamazoo Public Library. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 Please leave remembrances and condolences on web site www.bachmanhebble.com