Karen Annette Vandenbosch

Karen Annette VandenBosch (Ramminger), age 68, of Battle Creek, died peacefully on the morning of Friday, December 26, 2014, after a very short battle with cancer. Karen was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 21, 1946. She attended college at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and finished her education in Medical Technology at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan where she met her husband of 44 years, Ken VandenBosch. After they were married, they settled in Battle Creek, Michigan where Karen worked at Community Hospital, and Regional Medical Laboratories for a combined 43 years. She retired in October of 2014.

Karen loved to travel with her husband Ken and her two children, Ruthanne and John. They spent many wonderful weeks seeing the United States and even exploring Mexico, Canada and parts of Europe. Later, her daughter-in-law Stephanie and grandson Marshal became a part of these adventures and they started many new, fun family traditions. She loved the beauty of God's creation and spent many warm summer days tending to her beautiful flower garden. Karen loved God with all of her heart and committed much of her life to learning more about him and teaching others to follow closely after him. She taught children's Sunday School for more than 40 years at Battle Creek Friends Church, and took great joy in leading children to an understanding of God and a personal relationship with Jesus. Karen also loved to spend time with the elderly of the church, and she often visited those who were in nursing homes with her delicious baked goods and a listening ear.

Karen is survived by her husband, Ken VandenBosch; two children, Ruthanne VandenBosch and John (Stephanie) VandenBosch; and one grandson, Marshal VandenBosch. She had three dearly loved brothers, Jim Ramminger (Paula Lamont), Steve (Sara) Ramminger, and John Ramminger. She was also blessed with a wonderful extended family: Ann VandenBosch (mother-in-law), Keith (Beth) VandenBosch, and Vonda (Herb) Martin. She had many nieces and nephews, and enjoyed every moment of the fun family events they shared together. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Ruth Ramminger; and her father-in-law, Cobb VandenBosch.

The family will receive friends 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. A Home-Going Celebration to celebrate Karen's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Battle Creek Friends Church with Pastor Kelly Hadlich, officiating. Family and friends will continue the celebration of Karen's life with a luncheon immediately following the service at the church. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Battle Creek Friends Church, 1305 Olive Street, Battle Creek, MI 49014 or the Josiah Venture, Account #210210, P.O. Box 4317, Wheaton, IL 60189-4317. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Karen may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com