Karen Louise Rad

Karen Louise Rad, 71 of Johannesburg, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on August 18, 1952, she was the daughter of Allan and Carol (Walinske) Vollmer.  She grew up in Livonia and graduated from Stevenson High School in Livonia. 

On September 7, 1982, Karen and Dennis Rad were married in Plymouth, Michigan.  They lived in Detroit and Redford before moving to Johannesburg in 1996. 

Karen was a loving wife, mom and grandmother who enjoyed taking care of her family.  In her spare time, she was an avid reader, with a couple of her favorites being Ernest Hemingway and Stephen King.  She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, kayaking and canoeing, and everything about the outdoors and nature.  She especially enjoyed visits to Ocqueoc Falls, and in her youth, summers on Strawberry Island in Lake St. Clair.  She also enjoyed winter trips to Sanibel Island, Florida.

Karen is survived by her husband, Dennis; her children, Jason Smith of Beaverton, Jessica Smith of Mt. Pleasant, Toni (Keith Nelson) Rad of Grayling, Alida (Ronny Roland) Rad of Ft. Collins, CO, and Zack (Archie Manoharan) Rad of Key West, FL; nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren; a sister, Kathy (Brad) Halter of Canton Township; a brother, Allen Vollmer of Commerce Township and their families.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a great grandson.

The family will visit with friends from 4:00-6:00 PM Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, followed by a funeral service at 6:00 PM. 

Please share your memories and personal messages with Karen’s family on the guestbook below.