- Date Of Birth: October 24, 1938
- Date Of Death: November 4, 2019
- State: Michigan
Went to be with the Lord on Monday evening, November 4, 2019. Karen was born on October 24, 1938 in Kalamazoo, MI the daughter of Adrian and Helen Heystek. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1956. On June 5, 1959 she was united in marriage to the late Jacob Dekkinga for 57 years. Together they raised two children. Karen was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church of Portage. After retiring from the Upjohn Company Karen’s passion became quilting. She was an active member of Log Cabin Quilters and Caring Hearts. With her meticulous hands, she made many many beautiful quilts.
Some of which were given to hospice patients and babies in the NICU at Bronson Children’s Hospital. She made a special quilt for each of her children and grandchildren, for family members who got married; had special milestone anniversaries; and newborn babies. Karen (Heystek) Dekkinga leaves behind a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Joyce Heystek; two children, Todd Dekkinga, Amy (Nathan) Stonerock; 3 grandchildren, Aaron (Leoni) Dekkinga, Melanie Dekkinga, Emmalee Bennett (Fiance Matt Hall); 4 great-grandchildren, Marleigh, Linnea and Forrest Dekkinga, and Madalyn Hall; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
