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On Friday, June 25, 2021, Mary Lou, age 78, of Jenison, won her lengthy battle with illness. She passed into glory and was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Her greatest joys in this life were her husband of 58 years, her children, and grandchildren. She celebrated in their accomplishments, prayed them through their challenges, and always loved them. Born on July 1, 1942, she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a part of the Christian school community and a member of Fellowship Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. Mary Lou is survived by and will be missed by her husband, James Karel; children, Tim and Carla Karel, Doug and Michelle Gulker, Mike and Sara Karel; grandchildren, Andrew and Emily Karel, Jared and Andrea Karel, Nolan Karel, Lauren Gulker and fiance Max Nihart, Grant Gulker, Jessie Gulker, Grace Karel, James Karel, Luke Karel, Liam Karel; siblings, Shirley and John Doherty, Paul and Linda VandenToorn, Jan and Skip Pylman, Tom and Mary VandenToorn, Mary Anne Karel; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 30 at 11 am at Fellowship Reformed Church, 6610 36th Ave., Hudsonville, with Pastor Shawn Hulst officiating. Burial Blendon Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday, June 29, from 5-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Unity Christian High School or Grandville Calvin Christian Schools.