Search by Name

Search by Name

Karel Vandersnick Obituary

VANDERSNICK, KAREL M., age 46, of Longwood, passed away Friday, February 27, 2009 at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach after a courageous battle with cancer.
Karel was born December 24, 1962 in Anderson, IN, and moved to the Longwood area in 2004 from South Carolina. Karel attended Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, IN and graduated college at Saint Mary of the Woods in Terre Haute, IN.
Karel is preceded in death by her mother Ruthann (Jacobs) Franke. Without a doubt, Karel left us far too early. In her lifetime, she touched many people in so many positive ways. Over the past 25 years, she resided in Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, South Carolina and Florida - and in each location created a loving home, was an active member in the Catholic Church and very involved with the local community. Karel's positive outlook on life should be an inspiration to us all. Her beautiful smile will be dearly missed. Karel is survived by her husband of 23 years,
Roger; daughters, Megan and Nicole; father, Robert Franke of Ft. Wayne, IN; brothers, Mike (Jane) Franke of Ft. Wayne, IN, Jim (Sandy) Franke of Las Vegas, NV, Fred (Fran) Franke of Manassas, VA and Joe (Jeanne) Franke of Zanesville, IN; sisters, Karen (Mike) Grashoff of Ft. Wayne, IN and Kathy (Walt) Polston of Leo, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 11AM at
Annunciation Catholic Church (1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs) with Father Charlie Denney as celebrant. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8PM at the funeral home. A Prayer Vigil will be held Tuesday evening at 7PM at the funeral home with Father Stephen Baumann. The family has asked that those who wish, may send flowers or
donations to Pancreatic Cancer Research in memory of
Karel. Services entrusted to COLLISON FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, SOUTH SEMINOLE CHAPEL, 335 East State Road 434, Longwood, (407) 260-5400.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel on Mar. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Karel Vandersnick

Not sure what to say?





Sarah Murphy

September 20, 2009

Dear Vandersnick Family,
I was a good friend of Karel's at SMWC. I was so shocked and upset when I read about her passing in the Onyx. I remember such crazy and zany times we had back then. She was always up for anything and always had a smile on her face. I will especially remember the Yukor games, sneaking beverages, dancing to our music and making popcorn. Then, there were the weekend parties... I also remember when Karel told me during senior year that she knew she would one day be Mrs. Vandersnick. She was totally sure. Karel had a real zest for life and made every day count. My prayers are with you all.

Sarah Marratta-Hannon

September 18, 2009

I knew Karel from SMWC. She lived down the hall from me and we graduated in '85. I enjoyed knowing Karel because her smile was engaging and her personality effervescent. I am so sorry to hear about her passing. I want you to know that I am keeping your family in my prayers. I lost my mother when she was 47 years of age so my thoughts go out to you girls. If you are anything like your mother, you will persevere. Know that so many people that Karel knew are holding your family near their hearts.

Kim Rollins

September 5, 2009

Dear Roger, Megan & Nicole,
My most deepest sympathy to you. I read about Karel's passing when it happened, but just couldn't find the words. You know the old saying that sometimes you meet someone, no matter how briefly, and they make an impact in your own life? Well, Karel made an impact. I met you all when you first moved here, as I worked with your Realtor. I am so sorry and know that one day, your thoughts of Karel will be followed with smiles instead of tears. She obviously loved you all as much as you loved her.
Take Care.

Kim Rollins

Kyle Stanforth

August 21, 2009

Roger
My heart goes out to you. I have received the news of Karel very late. The memories of you and Karel when we were so young are very dear to Lynne and I. You and your girls will be in our prayers.
But be of good heart, our God is strong enough to bear any load, and Karel's faith in Jesus Christ has been rewarded in ways we can not imagine.
Kyle and Lynne Stanforth

Bill Pontius

March 19, 2009

Roger,Megan and Nicole

I never had the pleasure of meeting you. I am so sorry for your loss.
I grew up with Karel (right next door). I count myself as a very fortunate person to have known her. Karel was such and intricate part of mine and my sisters childhood. Karel was just simply class, dignity and so much, much more. She meant so much to our entire family. Our hearts and thoughts are truly with the VanDerSnick and Franke families.
Bill (Billy) Pontius

Debbie Roberson

March 14, 2009

Roger, Coley & Megan,

We are so very sorry about Karel's passing. She was a wonderful person, strong in her faith, and always put her family first. One of my favorite memories of Karel was when we were both train conductors for The Polar Express at St. Ann's. She drew a great mustache on herself! And of course, all of the times Abby & Coley were together. She was a joy to know. I do hope that Abby and Coley rekindle their friendship- we would love for them to spend time together this summer like old times. May Karel rest peacefully with God. We will be praying for all you. Love to all, Debbie, Dean, Abby & will Roberson

Jami Weaver

March 9, 2009

Roger,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls.

Tina Langdon

March 6, 2009

Dear Roger, Megan and Coley,

My daughter Lexi "Rookie" played with Coley at Pineville on the Rocket days. I will always remember Karol's Opening Day event she put together. It was awesome. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take Care.

Coach Doug, Tina, Lexi and Marissa Langdon

Anita Casterline

March 4, 2009

Roger,
There just are not words to express how sorry I am. I know that hundreds of people are praying for you and your beautiful daughters.
My God bless you with His peace.
Anita Syverson-Casterline

Jeanette Donovan

March 4, 2009

Dear Roger and girls,
My deepest sympathies to your family. Karel's smile will always be in my memory. She was a gift to us all.

Jeanette Donovan, Class of '81

Sandy Klimek

March 4, 2009

Dear Roger,
Bob and Jess Sostorecz told me about your wife's illness when I was in Daytona for the race. So sorry to hear about her passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Deepest Sympathy,
Sandy Klimek (retiree of the P&G Green Bay plant)

Connie Geer Gruza

March 4, 2009

Roger,
Just wanted to let you know, my prayers are with you everyday to get you thru this very difficult time in your life...Be strong and know that I am thinking of you.

mike penasse

March 3, 2009

dear vandersnicks an frankes im sorry to hear about karel i do not know you we ve never met i know joe an the frankes are some of the nicest people on this earth my sympathys god bless

Montae, Bettye, Dani & Max Monroe

March 3, 2009

Dear Roger, Megan and Coley,

Our daughter played on Coley's magical 8u Wildcats softball team and was in her girl scout troop. What a blessing it was to spend time with you guys those years in Charlotte. Karel certainly will be missed. I will not forget all the time and love she put into helping with the first PCAA opening day. I can still see all the silent auction baskets laying around your house. Lots of love to your family.

Denise Porter-Bricker

March 3, 2009

Dear Roger and family, I am very sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. Please know that you are in everyone's thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of your lives. In Deepest Sympathy, Denise Bricker

David, Carol, Caitlin & Coby Kurtz

March 3, 2009

Dear Roger, Megan and Coley:
Our families spent many good years together while you lived here....softball, Brownies (selling and distributing all those massive amounts of cookies!), parties, etc. Karel was such a good friend to us. Her talents still remain in our house, as she rag-rolled Caitlin's room (turquiose) years ago. Our sincerest sympathies as you mourn the loss of a wonderful wife and mother. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Robin Hires Scheevel

March 3, 2009

Dear Roger, Megan & Nicole -
I'm so very sorry that you have lost such a very precious part of your lives. Please lean on the Lord, who loves you with an everlasting love, to carry you through this time and all the days ahead until that glorious moment when you all are together again. With many thoughts and prayers,

Sheri Hitchcock

March 3, 2009

My daughter Shelby played with "Texas" on Pineville's 8U fast pitch softball team "The Rockets". We are so sorry to hear about your loss.

Candy Gagliardi

March 2, 2009

Everyone who has met Karel has been enlightened by her spirit and that light will shine for all eternity. May God’s grace grant all of you peace.

Aileen Butler

March 2, 2009

Dear Roger, Megan and Nicole,
Although we have never met I just want to express my feelings and heartfelt sorrow for all of you. My family and I live at 11026 Newfield Drive. Karel is everywhere in this house. I fell in love with everything she did. She put so much effort and love in here and I can only imagine that she did the same thing in everything in her life.
I truly wish I knew her. Our neighbor, Vicki has told us so many nice things about all of you.
You are all in my prayers. May you find comfort in how many lives she touched in so many ways. My heart goes out to all of you.

misty & don vanhooser

March 2, 2009

Roger and family,
so sorry to hear about your lose. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Michelle Parent

March 2, 2009

Kathy,

My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. I never had the pleasure of meeting your sister but through your words I knew she was a wonderful woman. May you find comfort in the memories you shared with her. Take care,

Thomas Miracle

March 2, 2009

Roger,
I do not know you but have heard alot of good things about you through Joe. I knew Karel when we were younger in Fort Wayne. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and your girls.

Kathy Polston

March 2, 2009

Dear Roger, Megan and Nicole -

Our deepest sympathy to you. Remember that Karel will be with all of us in some manner whether it be in our memories, our daily thoughts and our daily actions. When we look up to the sky, one of those stars is Karel smiling upon us.
Our love for Karel will get us through this most difficult time. She would want us to go on with life just as she would.
With love for all of you,

Aunt Kathy

Karen Grashoff

March 1, 2009

Roger,
Thank you for everything that you did for my sister. We will never forget it. Megan and Coley, your mom loved you ever so much. I will miss her smile the most.
Time heals all wounds!!!
Aunt Karen

Ed and Pat and family O'Donnell

March 1, 2009

Roger,
Karel will be with you always in your girls.
We wish you and the girls the best.
Love from the O'D's
ED, Pat, Jim, Laura, Lisa and Mike

Kari Beddard

March 1, 2009

Roger & Family,
The article was SO true, Karel touched so many lives in such a positive way.
May the Lord continue to watch over you and Bless you,,
Kari (Ormond ROC)

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

Make a Donation
in Karel Vandersnick's name

Memorial Events
for Karel Vandersnick

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Karel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Karel Vandersnick's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more