Karen L. Huisman

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Karen Huisman, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed away peacefully at the age of 78.

Born and raised on a farm in Clarion, Iowa, she built a life around the values that defined her: faith in God, love of family, generosity toward others, and unwavering positivity. She met the love of her life, Rodney Huisman, when she was just eight years old, and together they shared 60 beautiful years of marriage-a partnership filled with faith, family, laughter, travel, and devotion.

Family was the center of her world. She and Rod raised three wonderful sons-Brian, Brent, and Brandon-her pride and joy. As her family grew, so did her love, welcoming her daughters-in-law and cherishing the families they built together. She adored every one of her ten grandchildren and embraced each with her signature warmth. Everyone was always welcome in their home, and she loved hosting gatherings and creating memories that brought people together.

She and her husband were true world travelers. Having lived 15 years in Singapore and 6 years in Thailand, they explored the globe together, visiting many countries and developing lasting friendships everywhere they went. Karen's lifelong love of sweets brought her joy even in her final days. Her favorite was mango sticky rice.

A gifted music teacher, she shared her talent and passion with countless students around the world during her 21 years of teaching, including twelve years at the Singapore American School.

To know Karen was to love her. Her faith, kindness, smile, and gentle grace will live on in the stories shared, the generations she inspired, and the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Rodney; her children Brian and Brent, and daughters-in-law Anne, Nicole, and Annie; her grandchildren Lauren, Stephanie, Michael, Kayla, Caitlin, Hayden, Joseph, Sabrina, Jacob, and Everson; and her great-grandchildren Isla, Callan, Harper, and Theodore. She is also survived by her siblings Gene, Kay, and Jolene. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Catherine, and her son, Brandon.

In Lieu of flowers the family has set-up a fund for the Caregivers at Bayshore Memory Center who lovingly cared for Karen in her final years. You may donate to this fund through Venmo @karen-Huisman-1 or mail donation to Darlene Latimer, 14656 Reserve Lane, Naples FL 34109. Please include CG Bayshore in Memo.