All Obituaries

Karen Louise Schaaf age 68 of Middleville passed away at the Commonwealth Senior Living Center in Grand Rapids on May 1, 2025. Karen was born on March 18, 1957 in Cadillac to Douglas and Jeanette (VanderVeen) Derrick. She married Keith Allen Schaaf on June 24, 1977 at the Rehoboth Reformed Church in Lucas. Karen had worked as an Insurance Claim Analyst for the Medical Insurance Industry, retiring in 2016. She enjoyed crafting, gardening and spending time at the family cottage near Falmouth on the Clam River.

Karen survived by her husband; Keith Allen Schaaf of Middleville, children; Nicholas Schaaf of St. Michael, Minnesota and Kristen Schaaf of Middleville, mother; Jeanette Derrick of Cadillac, siblings; Nancy Thompson of McBain, Keith (Rebecka) Derrick of Holland and Mike (Wendy) Derrick of Corinth, Texas, nieces and nephews; Jennifer (Jon) Schierbeek of McBain, Matthew (Carrie) Thompson of Marion, Andrew (Trisha) Thompson of Rochester, New York, Nathan Derrick of Seattle, Washington, Sarah (Nick) Laue of Grand Rapids, Jordan (Katlin) Derrick of San Antonio, Texas and Jonah Derrick of Tucson, Arizona, great nieces and great nephews; Ashley, Emma, and Brody Schierbeek, Leah, Ben, and Claire Thompson, Derrick, Kenzi, and Bryce Thompson, Macallen and Finnegan Derrick, Madison Laue, and Audrey Derrick, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law; Janice VanderMeulen of Orange City, Iowa and Corwin (Cathy) Schaaf of Spring Lake.

Karen was preceded in death by her dad; Douglas Derrick, brother; Paul Derrick, in-laws; Dave Thompson and Carol Beerens, great niece; Josie Thompson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain and visitation will be on Sunday from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Monday. Reverend Stephen Norden will officiate. A luncheon will follow after the burial in Richland Township Cemetery at the McBain Community Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain and thoughts and prayers may be made at www.burkholderfunerals.com