Karen Dawne Herrick

Karen Dawne (Michalak) Herrick, age 75, of Allendale, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 19, 2020. She was born on November 16, 1944, to the late Stanley and Gertrude Michalak of Allendale. Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Bill Herrick. She is survived by her son, Billy (Ann) Herrick and their children, Amber (J.J.) Schmidt, Dustin Herrick, Brittany (Rick) Brown, Whittney Herrick, Danielle (Brandon) Van Wyck, Aaron (Samantha) Neese, and Riley Neese-Lamar; and daughters, Tammy Hamlin and her children, Angelina, Luke, Shyanne, Zack and Autumn; Marcey Tejeda and her children, Andrew (Amanda) Ottenwess, Domenic and Damian Tejeda; Julie (Curt) VanderHart, and their children, Bryce, Joslyn, and Brendan; and her grandsons, Cory (Tiffany) Jennings, and Jerome (Rose) Jennings. She was dearly loved by her 20 grandchildren and her 36 great-grandchildren. Karen is also survived by her siblings, Davey Michalak, Lynda (Roger) Modderman, Stevie (Deanna) Michalak, Kathy (Bob) Smith, Suzy Balke, Joey (Sue) Michalak, Debi Wagner, and Julie VanderWall; her siblings-in-law, Maurice (Deb) Herrick, Sue Herrick, and Pastor John (Laural) Herrick; family friends, Paul VanderPloeg, and Patrick Spear; and many special nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Gertrude Michalak; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Johanna Herrick; grandson, Brandon Schmidt; siblings, Lois Michalak, Stanley Michalak, Shirley Havens, Donna Deering, and Timmy Michalak; sister-in-law, Betty Jo Michalak; brothers-in-law, Howard Herrick, David Balke; nieces, Trudy Marlette, Sheryl Raye Hesser, and Missy Michalak; and nephews, Randy Modderman, Danny Wydeck, and Benjamin Janes. Karen was raised in a large family with 13 siblings. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports, as she was their biggest fan. Karen also loved driving her 1930 Model A Hot Rod, while listening to Elvis Presley and drinking Coca-Cola. She was one of the original members of The Runaways Car Club. Karen had a deep faith in God, and her love and kindness was felt by everyone that knew her. She will be deeply missed. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 22, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, with Pastor John Herrick officiating. Burial at the Allendale Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Sunday, June 21, from 5-8 p.m. at Life Stream Church and on Monday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Mary Free Bed Foundation or The Amazing Reading Bus in honor of the teachers at Allendale Public Schools who called her Grandma Karen.

Leave Your Tribute Message

June 27, 2020

Wonderful memories and lots of fun traveling with our old cars and going to many car shows as traveling with our Runaways Car club. Lovely Lady and a joy to have known. RIP in peace Dear Lady..

- Butch and Pat Knowlton

June 21, 2020

So sorry to hear about Aunt Karen Had alot of good years with her and Uncle Bill

- Uncle Rick Hesser

June 21, 2020

I'm so sorry for the loss of Karen. When my grandparents built their house by your parents house. They became friends. Karen was so nice. She would give her shirt and give it to any body that needs it. She was loved by many. She will be missed by many

- Tammy Forist

June 20, 2020

We are sorry for all of Karen's family. Praying for comfort and healing for all. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isa.40:31

- Rob and Vicki

June 19, 2020

karen was like a big sister to me as I was her sister, Debi's, best friend and was to their house as much as my own home. Karen used to take us kids around the neighborhood looking for swimming spots to cool off, as not many people had air conditioning back then. She was always kind and loving and I will miss her.

- SHEILA VANDERMOLEN

June 19, 2020

So sad to see her go. Loved just sitting and talking with her, especially after Bill died. Did have to listen a lot while she bragged about her grand kids and great grandkids, kids too, but she was so happing doing it it rubbed off on me and made me happy too. Karen and Bill were my best friends for close to 60 years. She will be sorely missed.

- Paul Vanderploeg