Karen Anne Frost

Karen Anne Frost, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on Friday, May 2, 2025.  Karen was born on October 14, 1953, in Grand Rapids, to Clyde and Anna LaBrenz, second generation German immigrants. Like her parents before her, Karen was a lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ where she was baptized, confirmed, and married.  Karen was a dedicated reader and would read daily from her personal library in between watching classic television and game shows. She also greatly enjoyed traveling with her loved ones, regaling friends and family years later of her trips to San Francisco, New York, Hawaii, and Europe, among others. Karen spent countless summer days at Lake Michigan with her family and friends.  Karen dedicated her life to her three children as a stay-at-home parent and lovingly raised them to be as strong and determined as she was. She was married to her husband, Gary, for 35 happy years; the story of how the two met at Meijer was one that Karen shared often. When her two eldest children moved away, Karen spent much time staying in touch over the phone and FaceTime watching her children and grandchildren grow.  Karen was preceded in death by her parents (Clyde and Anna LaBrenz) and younger sister, Mary Beth. She will be lovingly missed by her husband, Gary; two siblings: Tom (Shari) LaBrenz and Marcia LaBrenz; three children: Christopher (Jenny) Frost, Thomas (Taylor) Frost, and Nicholas Frost; her two grandchildren, Matilda and Jasper; and by her dear friends.  A service will be held at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1934 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504 on July 19th at 11:00 am.