On Christmas Day, we lost Karen Daust, one of the warmest and most humorous souls our family was truly fortunate to have. Although it is exceedingly difficult to have such an event happen during a holiday that is about family togetherness, it is comforting to know that she is now with the love of her life, Jim Daust. It gives the family peace because Christmas was always an incredibly special day for them.
Karen was an extraordinary woman, mother, nurse, caretaker, and friend. She was incredibly proud of her husband, children, and grandchildren, and their life accomplishments.
She attended Mercy School of Nursing and obtained a degree as a Registered Nurse. She worked at several hospitals until starting a family. When the children were older, she worked at Gaylord First Step Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation facility as head nurse, where she was instrumental in developing the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, an extension of First Step. She ended her career at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing in the hospitals’ psychiatric division.
Karen was sharp as a tack, and her humor was unmatched, as she could make a joke or laugh about nearly anything. She was known for her home-cooked meals and warm hospitality to friends and family. Her grandchildren were always excited to eat the baked goods she made especially for their visits. The number of stories shared about family, her children, and her loving husband, were so plentiful, it is difficult to capture her spirit through writing.
She has been reunited with her husband, Jim Daust; parents, Francis and Charlotte (MacPhail) Kotila; and several other family members and friends.
She is survived by her four children, Mary (Mark) McDaniel, Tim (Theresa), Michael (Lisa), and Kathleen (Jason) Faron; grandchildren, Kelly (Tomas), Jennifer (Todd), Michael, Victoria, Matthew, Max, Nathan, Olivia, Adam, and Caylen; and two great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Logan.
At this time, the family has decided to have a private blessing and visitation. There will be a celebration of her life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in honor of Karen Daust be made to the Otsego County Commission on Aging, 120 Grandview Blvd., Gaylord, MI 49735.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734. www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com
8 comments on “Karen Daust”
Karen was one of the nicest persons that I ever met. She was the twinkle in Jim’s eyes. Jim was my mentor in my career with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
May she Rest In Peace and have a drink with Jim for New Year’s Eve. Loved them both
Larry Stern
703 786 8422
My deepest sympathies to the Daust family! Karen was a very special lady and I agree had an amazing sense of humor! My love to the family!
My most sincere condolences to the entire Daust family. Karen was a truly exceptional woman who always had a warm smile for all.
Mary, I love you, and am only a phone call away.
Years ago I worked with Karen,at New Day treatment center,she was a very dedicated and caring nurse. She often spoke of her family she was so proud of them..she was very special and will be missed.
Mary and family, what a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Karen was my friend. She still is the sister I never had. We met in 1963 when we lived in a duplex as young married couples, in Bay City, Michigan. Jim was a new State Policeman, I was pregnant and they were about to adopt their 1st daughter, Mary. Oh, the fun we had!! We were only separated by a wall in that duplex, and of course, that changed. After a few years we were separated by miles and what life had in store for us. Karen was never more than a phone call away, and those conversations were filled with love, serious talks and a ton of hysterical laughter. When we were occasionally together it was as if no time had passed. I could write a book about Karen and what it was like being part of her ( and Jim’s) life. I didn’t have the opportunity to know the Daust kids and grandkids firsthand, but I certainly felt that I did. Mary, Tim, Michael, Kathleen ( and your families) I know you must be heartbroken, but what a legacy of love your wonderful parents have gifted you. How fitting that your Mom went Home to be with your Dad on Christmas Day! I send you all my deepest sympathy, and prayers for comfort and peace. With love, Carol Kent
We send our love and sympathy to Mary, Tim, Mike, and Kat and their families. Our family has many memories with the Daust family, from camping trips to weddings of our children. Mike and I especially have memories of times in Tucson during the winter months. We celebrated each New Years Eve, with both of us couples tucked into our wee little beds well before midnight. We would laugh and drink and eat at Chuys with their Tucson friends every Wednesday night. We had many fun meals at other Tucson restaurants that included our friends, the Jackson’s and the Maguire’s. Jim and Karen were special friends and we kept close contact in prior years. Oh, how sad it is to become apart.
I am so so sorry for your loss. I have kept her in my thoughts and prayers. She was such a sweet lady, I just loved her and her outlook on life. Now she is celebrating with her friend Joy. I am sorry as I just learned of her passing. Hugs to all.