Karen Lou TerKeurst

November 4, 1933 - January 3, 2026

Karen Lou TerKeurst, age 92, of Rockford, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Karen was born on November 4, 1933, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Robert and Hazel (Schuurman) Mead. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan and devoted her life to her family as a loving homemaker and mother. She also worked as a Dental Hygienist and at D&W Bakery.

In 1955, she married the love of her life, Donald TerKeurst, in Grand Rapids.

Karen was a faithful member of River Rock Church. She volunteered at Rockford Christian School, where she was affectionately known as “Mrs. T,” and served as a leader in GEMS. She was well known for her delicious cookie baking, her love of gardening, and her fondness for hummingbirds and dogs. Karen also enjoyed collecting dragons and cherished time spent with her family.

She is survived by her daughters Beverly (John) Broersma, Sharon (Don) Porritt, and Amy (Jeff) Schmitt; eleven grandchildren Kristin (Tyler) Bell, Dan (Jennifer) Broersma, Mike (Liz) Broersma, Tara (Bob) Melnik, Nicole (Jake) Walter, Joel (Andrea) TerKeurst, Kari (TK) Klein, Kasper Porritt, Brooke Porritt, Tim Schmitt, and Tyler Schmitt; several great-grandchildren; and sisters Mary Hiner and Shirley Mead.

Karen was preceded in death by her son Richard (Kathy) TerKeurst and her husband Donald TerKeurst.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, Michigan. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Huizenga officiating.

Please share your memories of Karen or sign the guest book online at www.pedersonfuneralhome.com.