Karen L. Heide, 78, of Wolverine, MI, passed away Monday, January 4, 2021, leaving her earthly body for her eternal home in Heaven with Jesus.
Karen, known as “Mimi”, to family and friends, was born October 13, 1942, to Carl and Kathryn (Eicher) Carlson. She grew up in Gaylord with her younger brother, Richard Carlson. Karen attended Central Michigan University and graduated with a degree in elementary teaching.
She was married to Kurt “Buck” Heide and together they raised a son, Scott Richard, and a daughter, Kriston Lynn. With the help of family and friends, Karen and Buck ran the Game Haven Wildlife Ranch in Wolverine.
Karen also started the first special education classes in Gaylord. She then taught at Wolverine Community Schools, teaching 3rd grade from 1986 until she retired in 2005.
She was a loving sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother, dedicated to living her life to the fullest. She made it her goal to spread her love for Jesus Christ, impacting many people during her journey. There was nothing she treasured more than the gift of giving. She volunteered and co-ran the Joy Fellowship Food Pantry, along with her husband, Buck, until the day she took her last breath.
Karen is survived by her husband, Buck Heide; daughter, Kriston (David) Ashenfelter; brother, Richard (Marsha) Carlson; grandsons, Daniel Ashenfelter, Andrew Ashenfelter, Matthew Ashenfelter, and James Ashenfelter; great-granddaughter, Morgan Ashenfelter; a few nieces; and a nephew. She also leaves behind many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Kathryn Carlson; and her son, Scott.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to use for various community resources and charities, as this is what Karen enjoyed doing the most.
A celebration of life party will be held at a later date.
We love you all!
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
29 comments on “Karen L. Heide”
My best friend. Love you much buddy see you in heaven.
Karen was such a super, wonderful, happy, joyous, spirit-filled Woman of God. She was such an example to everyone as well as a friend. She was such a great teacher – from my sisters, to my kids and then on to the next generations. I served on our Community Library Board with her for many years, as well as helping her with a few community programs. She was always teaching – young and old alike. Even through her illness she continued her upbeat attitude, her positivity and her faith never wavered. I am so BLESSED to have had Karen in our lives for all these years.
My Aunt Karen was one of the kindest most giving souls on this earth. She loved helping those who were in need and put God first and foremost. Anyone who knew her, knew she was special. My heart aches as i miss her more than words could ever express. ❤
I talked with her when she was Ruth’s teacher… she said she had almost died from an asthma attack when walking in the woods… she rarely went to the woods anymore after that… Sue told me of her latest struggle with Cancer and how she fought hard for 4 years… I am sad she is no longer with us but glad she now rests in the arms of Jesus!!! She was very strong in her faith!!! My sympathies for the Family who will long to hear her voice and will now have to wait until they see her again…. So sorry for everyone’s loss 😢 Michelle Demerly (Mickey… Sue VandenHoek’s Niece)
We were all blessed to have known Karen and she was an inspiring woman. She will be missed.
We love you and miss you very much
Dick – You are in our thoughts. While we did not know Karen after she graduated from Gaylord High we do know and understand the loss you’re feeling and we wish you well as you heal.
Karen you are with God and no more pain.
I am blessed to have known you.
She was my favorite teacher and one of my favorite people. She was a great friend, and I considered her as family. I’m going to miss her dearly. I love you lady. I know I’ll see you again someday. Until we meet again, all our love -Crystal, Rich, Lil Daniel, and Lil Arabella-
I worked at Game Haven as a cashier when I was 14. In ’74. Karen would come through almost every day, pushing Scott’s wheelchair and always smiling. She was a wonderful Mother. My condolences to her husband and daughter.
Mimi was a wonderful caring lady. I truly enjoyed our visits while she was getting her wings clipped. 😘 I loved her dearly. Karen and my mom are probably having a ‘good ole time’ in heaven. Love and hugs to all of you.
Rip Karen , I will continue to smile every time I think of her . A very special woman , Very special to so very many people . Prayers to her Family
I just read of the passing of my long time friend. I know she is with our heavenly lord and savior..sandra hodgins.
God Bless you Karen, RIP. Prayers for family!!!
Karen was a blessing from God for all who knew her. She always had a smile on her face. You will be missed but never ever forgotten. I am glad I had the opportunity to know you so Well. Krisi you and your dad will be in my prayers along with the rest of the family.
I love and miss you Karen. We all will watch over Buck and Kristen for you.
Such a joy to have been privileged to know you. I always appreciated how positive you always were. You were a blessing to all. I always appreciated how you encouraged the kids around you, including my grandkids.
I just want to thank Buck and Kristin and family for sharing Karen with all of us. God bless, as we celebrate this wonderful lady. Thank you.
See you in Heaven Karen.
Such a light to follow! We are saddened that we are left behind, but who would deny this wonderful woman a chance to be out of pain? Or to be welcomed by Jesus as a “good and faithful servant”. Karen, my heart is heavy, but you had such an impact on this world. We will strive to continue your legacy!
Karen always had a ready smile when she saw you. She loved people and was such a generous person in all the ways that mattered. She will be missed by so many but will never be forgotten as long as memories live on in us and all her friends and family. Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to Buck and all the family.
She was my favorite teacher in Wolverine elementary school! RIP Karen.
She was an amazing joy filled soul! Loved every minute of her class and our time in Sunday school. She will be deeply missed! May she Rest In Heavenly Peace until we meet again.
I was privileged to co-teach with Karen at WES for many years. I agree that she was one of the kindest, warmest, and most generous people I have ever had the privelege to know. But she also was one of the funniest! Karen had one of the greatest senses of humor, along with her many other virtues. I still laugh at some of her long-standing jokes and humorous outlook on life.
Thank you, sweet lady for everything! I miss you but I am going to do my best to keep sharing all the love, wisdom and laughter that you shared with me all these years. Love you Karen, always will.
So very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. My deep condolences to Buck and family.
Richard and Marsha
We are sad to hear of Karen’s passing. We send our sympathy to you and your family. You can be proud of her legacy.
Your kind thoughts are greatly appreciated. Best wishes to you and your family.
I adored Mrs. Heidi, I loved going over to play with Krispy and see the animals when I was a kid. My deepest condolences to the Heide family.
I adored Mrs. Heidi, I loved going over to play with Krissy and the animals when I was a kid. My deepest condolences to the Heide family.
So saddened to hear of Karens passing. Our son Jeff was in Karens special education class when it first started in Gaylord along with Scott. She was special as were the children in her class. Now she is in heaven along with all her class. RIP Karen. God Bless.
I will miss you so much, you were a big part of my life growing up. I will miss giving you hugs and hearing you say “there’s my girl.” I love you and I miss you so much.