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Karen Hartwig Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Karen Hartwig
Elizabeth Brody
July 12, 2011
To Bill, Joan, Sarah and Family,
Karen and I were best friends at Hannah Middle School and in HS too.
She was a great friend and person, and she is someone that I hoped that I would see again, even though I live far away. She was always happy and smiling and fun to be with! My deepest sympathy to your family. She will be missed.
Ingrid Cavanaugh (Grunau)
July 1, 2011
Today has to be one of the saddest days for me, just finding out my long lost friend has left us so suddenly. I have many fond memories of Karen, growing up together, and living one house away. My thoughts are with her family and her close friends...
Kevin Suelter
March 30, 2011
Karen's memory is kept in my heart, from earliest childhood recollections onwards...I hadn't seen her or talked to her in years, but that doesn't take away from the impact of her loss...all my best to family and friends....
Carol Medders
March 28, 2011
Joan & Bill -- I was so sorry to learn of the sudden death of your daughter. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your friend in Alabama,
Carol Medders
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Marilyn M. Mueller
March 26, 2011
Dearest Bill, Joan, & Sarah,
Having read all 14 pages of notes in Karen's guest book, there's not much more we can add, other than the fact that we, too, can feel the emptiness of her special place in everyone's hearts and lives.
We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will comfort you all in your loss.
Karen is now in "God's Perfect House."
Karen, we will meet again.
Don & Marilyn Mueller, MSU Class of 1960, Cherry Lane Apts.
Goodbye dear friend........
Gloria Carpenter
March 26, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of your passing Karen :( We had so much fun at Camp Concordia all those summers ago. I now wish we would of kept in touch as we seem to have had so much in common, even in our adult lives. My heart goes out to your family <3 Gloria Carpenter ( Gloria Baird )
March 25, 2011
Joan and family I'm so sorry for your loss - Cherish the memories.
Peg Halpin
Okemos,MI
Andrea Martinez
March 25, 2011
Joan:
Having just lost my mother last week, I feel your pain. No words can express the grief and sadness that you and your family are experiencing at this time. Surely, God will give you strength to cope with the greatest loss of all; your child. Please know that many prayers are coming your way.
Here’s a little story that I hope will make you smile:
When Karen worked in the Registrar’s Office as a student employee, their work station was just a few steps from my desk and Elda’s. We could always hear that mischievous laugh. One day, I could hear her laughing with a couple of the other student employees. Jokingly, I said “what are you guys up to?” Karen walked over and said they were poking fun at her because she was so skinny and they wondered why she needed $2 when she ate only .25 worth of food? I asked her why she didn’t walk over to get some money from you. She said, “Andrea, I do the same thing as you and Elda; go shopping for clothes on a pay day.” “Mom’s going to wonder why I don’t have money when I just got paid. I gave her lunch money and said “are you really going to the cafeteria….you are very skinny?”
When her work day was over, she stayed late. When I asked her why she was still here she said, “Andrea, I’m here in school but I don’t really know what I want to do. I just like having fun right now. What field do you think I would be good in? I replied, Accounting (joking). She rolled her eyes and laughed. I said, “Karen, you have a very wise mother that works here on campus. I’m sure you’re not the first person that doesn’t know what they want to do. Talk to your mom. She is the one person that you know you can rely on to be honest and steer you in the right direction. She then said, “Yeah, I do have a wise mom and she’s also the best mom in the world!”
Mary Sober
March 25, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to Karen's partner, Sarah, and to Joan, Bill and Susan. Comfort one another as you grieve together.
Mel & Christi Lopez
March 25, 2011
You are all in our thoughts. We remember fun times spent with Karen and the HUMPA/COMM family. :0)
Renee Zumberg
March 24, 2011
I was so shocked and deeply saddened when I found out about the passing of my dear old friend. So many great memories from High School and beyond with one of the highlights of Spring Break at her family cabin. It's truly heart warming to see how many people Karen's life has impacted in her short time here. Her legacy will remain with us always! Rest in peace my friend! My thoughts and prayers are with her family and with Sarah through the difficult time ahead.
March 24, 2011
Hartwig family:
Words can't express the sorrow we feel for you. Karen was truly a beautiful person inside and out!! She always had a uplifting word when you encountered her! My brother and I have known her since our days at East Lansing High School.
We will keep you in our prayers and our thoughts.
The Mitchell and Coles families
D G
March 24, 2011
I am heartbroken for you all.
Patrick and Melisa Biehler
March 23, 2011
Last August, during our honeymoon, my wife and I crossed paths with Karen and Sarah, almost serendipitously, in Copper Harbor. It seemed so easy to spend a night talking, joking and playing an interesting version of bingo as the tourist season quickly waned. This being our first time meeting Karen, I was surprised by how easy it was to keep the conversation going (one word: "geocaching"). Although I don't remember all the details, I could never forget how comforting it was to experience becoming fast friends while fighting off homesickness in quite possibly the most remote place in Michigan. The world needs more people like Karen, I'm sad to hear of her passing.
Madison Hall
March 23, 2011
Words will never be enough to encompass the sense of loss inspired by Karen's abrupt departure from this mortal plane. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends - Karen, I miss you every day.
Bambi O'Connor
March 23, 2011
You will be missed, Twiggy, by all your friends.
Barbara & Jim (Springer) Cooley
March 23, 2011
Joan, Bill, Susan and Sarah - I was so saddened to learn of your loss. May you find some measure of comfort in knowing how beloved she clearly was. Our deepest sympathies.
Lori Rumpf (Barrett)
March 23, 2011
Bill and family, I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. May peace come to you in time through faith and memories.
March 23, 2011
Bill and Joan..Please accept our sincere condolences..You are in our prayers and thoughts. Hold on to precious memories and be comforted by caring friends.
Jim and Martha Bibbs
Courtney Chapin
March 23, 2011
A whole chapter of my life has Karen in it as a main character... Those were happy days spent dancing, laughing, painting the house, singing impromptu a capella at Dagwoods... Karen brought love and laughter with her everywhere. Thank heavens so many of us had the opportunity to know and love her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Carrie Harris
March 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Karen's family at this difficult time. Karen's smile would light up a room, and her humor would make the rest of the day that much better and lighter. She will be missed by many. Love.
March 23, 2011
Dear Joan,Bill and Family
We were shocked to read about Karen's Death.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Renate, Steffen, Christina & Laura
Nellie Daft
March 23, 2011
I will miss her laughter most of all - Her comic timing was stellar, and was always ready with a joke. A smile will always light my face when I think of her.
Mike, Kristie, Mason and Lindsey Steele
March 23, 2011
Oh, Karen...up for anything, quick with a smile and a laugh, always more than willing to help. From the very first time I met you, I felt like i'd known you for years. I don't think it would've been possible for anyone to not be at ease in your presence. You will be missed so deeply, by so many.
March 23, 2011
Larry and I were vacationing with our dear friends, Martha and Jim Wallington, when they shared the tragic news of your daughter's death.
There are no words only great sorrow for you, your family, and her dear companion. Our thoughts and hearts are with you.
Susan Daley Florida
Anne Baird
March 22, 2011
Karen's family and friends will be in my prayers in your time of loss.
Shelley Wells
March 22, 2011
My condolences go out to Karen’s family, partner, and to all her many friends. My heart is filled with many wonderful memories of Karen and of the life she lived well...her radiant smile will just be one of the many.
Sharon McDougall
March 22, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Anne Hansknecht
March 22, 2011
Today is your day to dance lightly with life,
sing wild songs of adventure,
invite rainbows and butterflies out to play,
soar your spirit, and unfurl your joy.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Twiglet...thank you for always LIVING your life and touching so many with your joy, love, laughter, and spirit. While today I may mourn, I promise I shall dance and LIVE in your honor.
I carry you with me always. Love, Annie
March 22, 2011
The world is better place for having her in it. I am so, so sorry for her family in this time of grief, my sincerest condolences.
~Elijah Rene Spellman
Steph Dombroski
March 22, 2011
Twig, the world seems a dimmer place knowing you are no longer with us.
Mike & Sandy Kidder
March 22, 2011
Our hearts are filled with compassion for Karen's family and friends during this time of immense loss. She was a wonderful woman who made many valuable contributions to our world and we are all lucky for her many gifts she shared with us.
Timothy Miller
March 22, 2011
Dear Bill and Joan,
As a young man I ventured to start a new life in East Lansing back in the summer of 1990. God blessed me when I met you both and your daughter. God will now bless Karen as she moves into his hands for eternity. Her smile and warmth will be forever etched in the memories of all who knew her just as her laughter will ring eternally from the bluest waters of Northern Michigan to the snow covered peaks of Utah and throughout her beloved East Lansing! As we mourn our loss, God welcomes his newest angel. Love, Tim Miller and family.
Lisa Hansknecht
March 22, 2011
To Karen's family - please know that Karen was loved by so many and touched so many of our hearts. She will always be with us. Sarah - you are a beautiful person and Twig loved you! Looking forward to our dancing in her honor! And to Twiggles, Twig, Twigglicious! I miss your laugh, i miss your quick wit, I miss your honesty, I miss your friendship. I miss you! Love always! Lisa
Cheryl Richards
March 22, 2011
Your smile and warmth will live in our hearts forever. I am so thankful to have shared in your friendship and light. You will be adored and missed very much. Rest in peace dear friend.
Jack & Margie VanAlstine
March 22, 2011
Dearest Joan and Bill, How to measure sorrow at a time like this is impossible. Yet, when reading messages in the Guest Book, we are overwhelmed with the goodness of Karen. Message after message depicts this wonderful, happy, dynamic, comforting, funny, talented person. What a measure of just how much she meant to so many people and how she indelibly affected their lives for the better. Such accolades. We are blessed to have known her as a baby and again, as a young woman. She will never be forgotten.
Bob & Barbara Witte
March 22, 2011
Joan, Bill & Susan, we were saddened to
read of Karen's death. What a blow to a
family - role reversal is never easy, as
it is not the way life if perceived. We
hope that you will take comfort in knowing that others care during this time
of your loss. We don't understand God's
reasoning, but His Plan for each of us
is good! I remember Karen from our Sunday School (Nursery/Kindergarden) class - what a delight! We still have the red satin apple she gave as a Christmas gift...those were the good days
at Ascension - East Lansing.
We spend the winters in Florida
but our spirit will be with you in East
Lansing. MI. as we mourn your loss.
Elizabeth Horvath Tobias
March 22, 2011
What a lovely obituary. Karen is missed by all those who love her - Including the Horvath family.
Jennifer Champagne
March 22, 2011
Words cannot convey the enormity of my sadness! My thoughts are with all of those experiencing the intense sorrow of Karen's passing. She was the most beautiful soul and the best friend a person could ever dream of having. I was blessed to call her my pal. Twiggles, my heart is breaking, but I am not alone in that! Until we meet again, I love you! xo
Anne Hansknecht
March 22, 2011
"Today is your day to dance lightly with life,
sing wild songs of adventure,
invite rainbows and butterflies out to play,
soar your spirit, and unfurl your joy.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie"
Twig...thank you for living your life with joyful abandon. Thank you for teaching all those you met how to do so. I carry you with me always.
Brian Sainz the whole Sainz family
March 22, 2011
From kindergarten at Red Cedar through ELHS -- Karen always had a smile and kind word. Such sad news. But, the world is a better place because of Karen, and now, Heaven will be brighter, too. Condolences and prayers are with all her family and loved ones.
Cathy Steele
March 22, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I will forever remember Karen's warm gracious hugs, her infectious smile and her genuine love for life. I enjoyed our many conversations about our favorite places, our family cottages, even though they were on different lakes! RIP my friend.
Anita Doup
March 22, 2011
My prayers and thoughts are with family and friends of Karen. I am so sorry for your lose.
Lisa Stahlberg
March 22, 2011
An amazing person! Thank you Karen for bringing laughter and joy to all of our lives!
March 22, 2011
Bill, sorry for your loss.
Ralph and Susan Swan, from Gulf Shores AL, leaving for home.
Samantha (Sam) LaMacchia
March 22, 2011
It was such a pleasure and a privilege to know you. May Sarah, your family and all the rest of us(your friends) find comfort in the beautiful memories you have given to us. RIP friend.
March 22, 2011
Karen
Your smile will live forever in my heart, you left us too early, love you always.
Gregg Waggoner
Julie Tikalsky
March 22, 2011
My condolences to Karen's surviving loved ones. I remember Karen as full of integrity, a wonderful musician, and always someone to admire. God bless you all. - Julie Bubolz Tikalsky, ELHS'82, ULC
Kenn Young
March 22, 2011
The world will not be the same without her.
Dennis & Lynn Paquin
March 22, 2011
Dear Bill,Joan and Family.
God blessed our life the day we met Karen. We are deeple saddened by her passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cynthia Hedden
March 22, 2011
May the angels welcome Karen to paradise for she made her time here easier on those she helped with her volunteerism and loving spirit. I will miss her laughter at Suits. Her spirit will live on forever through those who were blessed to have been touched by her.
March 22, 2011
Your smiling eyes and unstoppable laughter is all I see and hear as of late. You have us all wondering what on earth we are supposed to do now. Many broken hearts around town my Dear One. Thank you for sharing yourself, and all you gave in such a short time. Not only do I always think of my Mother when I hear 'Downtown' as that was our song, I now hear "Towntown". Thoughts and Blessings Bill,Joan, and Susan. and Emma- she loved you more than anything!!
With Much Love Sympathy, Leslie Arnell (your Lezzil)
Sarah Mahoney
March 22, 2011
She was a great lady and will truly be missed by many. Such a tragic and untimely loss. She is definitely in Heaven with the angels!
Dr. Roger Ostrander
March 22, 2011
Bill,
It has been so long since you and I were together. I am so saddened by your loss. She is the Lord's hands so we must find comfort in this knowledge. We will meet again soon
Ginger
March 22, 2011
My sincerest condolences to Karen's family, partner, friends and pups. She and her beautiful smile will always be remembered.
Peter Randels
March 22, 2011
Truly saddened by your loss...
John and Debbie Daft
March 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Friends of Karens.
Karen & Therese
March 22, 2011
With heavy hearts we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Karen. Thanks for the great memories. Girl, you will be missed!
Kristie Dunn
March 22, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Karen's family and loved ones. RIP Twig
Lorie Torrez
March 22, 2011
Karen u will be missed i will never forget your smiling face and the laughs we had together while we were at work. R.I.P "Miss u always!!!!
March 22, 2011
Karen was one of the kindest hearted people that I knew growing up. She positively affected many with her warm smile and bubbly laugh. Everyone who knew her, from Red Cedar (and the "Flower Pot" neighborhood), Hannah, and ELHS is sad today. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Our thoughts and prayers are with all her loved ones today.
Brian Sainz (and the whole Sainz family)
Patti Bentley
March 22, 2011
Heaven recieved a Angle ..and you will be missed by many.
Tracy Harris
March 22, 2011
Thank-you Karen for sharing so much joy and laughter...
Cheryl Wright
March 21, 2011
We lost a truly wonderful person. Heaven found one.
Moon and Betsy
March 21, 2011
We will miss you, thanks for the memories.
March 21, 2011
Dear Bill, Joan, Sarah and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. We didn't know her but our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Ron and Linda Springer
Hans Schwab
March 21, 2011
Your heart of gold touch the lives of many - My heartfelt sympathy to your family and all who loved you. You will be so very missed...
Monica Del Castillo
March 21, 2011
Bill, Joan, Sarah, & Family
I am very saddened by Karen's passing. May the wonderful memories of happier times sustain you during this very difficult time. Be at peace, as her spirit is free.
Tori Jahn
March 21, 2011
I love you Hartwig. You will be truly missed on earth. I look forward to seeing you in heaven. Life won't be the same without you.
Sandy Chapin
March 21, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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