Next worship Service Sunday April 19, 2026

Join us for Worship @ 10:00 a.m. In House and Online

Pastor: Rev. Dan Minor

Everyone is Welcome!

In Loving Memory….

Karen Sue Forbes

Kalamazoo

Karen Sue Forbes, a cherished soul whose life was woven with love and devotion, passed away peacefully at her home in Kalamazoo on April 11, 2026, with her daughters by her side. Born on August 13, 1959, in Allegan, Michigan, Karen’s journey was marked by her steadfast dedication to family and the simple pleasures of life.

Karen’s strong spirit shone brightest in the company of those she held dear. With a spirited sense of independence, Karen never hesitated to follow her own path, often with a touch of well-earned stubbornness along with a quiet determination to do things her own way. She deeply loved spending time with her family, treasuring the moments that knit their lives together. Her passions extended to camping getaways, puzzle solving, lively family game nights, and craft projects. She tended her raised garden beds, where many mini cucumbers flourished under her care. Whether traveling across Michigan’s UP for her 60th birthday, bringing a daughter to grad school in Florida, leading family visits to North Dakota, or even just exploring an unknown local restaurant, Karen was always up for a road trip. Her fierce loyalty to “her people” meant she would show up any time for support. In her youth, she delighted in roller skating, a joyful reflection of her lively spirit.

Her professional life was equally commendable. Karen devoted three decades to Jarvis-Pempco, demonstrating unwavering commitment and diligence. Following this, she retired from Summit Polymers, and her industrious nature led her to work part-time at Blain's Farm and Fleet, proving her enduring work ethic and connection to her community.

Karen’s legacy lives on beautifully through her loving twin daughters, Carlee and Krystle, who continue to embody their mother’s strength. She is also lovingly remembered by her mother, JoAnn Forbes; her sister, Char Forbes; and her nieces, Dani (Chy) Saucier and Jordan (George) Dobias, along with many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Jack Forbes; her partner, Charles Travis; her uncle, Bruce Forbes; and her best friends, Gary and Sharon—each one holding a special place in her heart.

Visitation for Karen will be held at the Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego, on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM, at Winkel Funeral Home, with a light luncheon to follow at Otsego United Methodist Church.

In honoring Karen’s memory, memorial contributions are appreciated to the Otsego United Methodist Church Camp Scholarship Fund, or Christian Neighbors. The family kindly requests that any floral tributes be in the form of living plants, a nod to Karen’s love for life’s growing things.

Karen Sue Forbes leaves behind a profound legacy of love, resilience, and grace. Though she has passed from this world, her proudest accomplishment was her family. Her twins and loved ones continue in enduring remembrance.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.