Karen Lynn Christensen, 83, of Montague, earned her angel's wings and tilted halo Sunday,  November 17, 2024. She was born March 9, 1944,  the daughter of Agnes and Alfred Bouma.

Karen grew up fast, and when her younger sister Ruth (Levendosky) was born in 1952, Karen found her lifelong best friend. Desperate to escape a chaotic and traumatic home life, Karen dropped out of high school at the age of 15, and attended beauty school and worked as a beautician for several years. During these years, Karen lived on her own and with various friends and family, and in 1965, Karen met a bartender at Northway Lanes named David Christensen-he would become the love of Karen's life, her travel companion, her partner-in-crime, and greatest pain in her neck (her words). Karen and Dave were married on March 18, 1967. They lived in a small house on Fulton Street, right on the Muskegon Channel, where they were the "fun newlywed couple" to the neighborhood kids. During this time, Karen became a mother to Beth (Johnson) and Craig Christensen.

Karen and Dave moved to the north side of Muskegon and lived near Reeths-Puffer high school for 50 years.  In 1986, Karen went back to high school and graduated from RP adult education.  She continued her education at Muskegon Community College and graduated with two associates degrees. Karen worked at Howmet for twenty five years and also worked for Muskegon Community Mental Health at Elm Dorm, and as a job coach at MOKA.

Karen played many roles and touched many lives during her 80 years. She and David built a wonderful life and loving family together. Her legacy can be found in the strong spirits of her own children: Beth and Craig (Britney); in the loving hearts of her five grand-children: Alexis (Ryan) Kennedy and David Johnson, Vanessa Christensen, Avery Christensen, and Ryne Christensen; and in the bright eyes of her great grandchildren: Carson Peterson, Carlee Peterson, Auston Kennedy and Jackson Kennedy, and Shae Johnson.

Karen believed in The Savior Jesus Christ and Heaven, and she was ready to reunite, in the warm embrace of God's love, with Dave, Ruth, and so many other people she loved in life.

Karen was always available to those who sought her out.  She impacted so many lives with her wit, humor, and sage advice. Her words, "You have to 'do it scared'. Anything in life worth doing-you have to be willing to 'do it scared' will live on in future generations.

There will be a gathering for friends and family from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the White Lake Eagles, 1204 S Lake St, Whitehall, MI 49461.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice.

https://harborhospicemi.org/services/poppen-hospice-residence

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com