Karen Page Zande

Karen Page Zande passed away early on June 11, 2023, at home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in the gentle embrace of her devoted sisters Cindy and Dawn.  Born April 11, 1958, in Battle Creek, Michigan, she was just 65 years old. 

Karen was the loving daughter of the late Louis and Marilyn Zande of Battle Creek, Michigan, and the laughing, daring sister and sister-in-law of Cindy (Steve) Franklin of Evanston, Illinois, Dr Mark (Kathy) Zande of Jackson, Michigan, and Dawn (Bob) Brady of Battle Creek.  Karen also is survived by her adoring nieces and nephews Jeremy (Tori) Franklin, Andrew (Ali) Franklin, Elizabeth Franklin, Dr Jonathan Zande, Emily (Kyle) Huntoon, Drew Brady and Page Brady, as well as great-nieces and -nephews Hannah, Joseph, Ashton, Grayson, Logan and Zoe Franklin.  She additionally is survived by Kim Thomas and Cindy Hayes, sisters of her late husband, Craig Welker, and their families. 

Karen was a graduate of Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, and the University of North Texas, in Denton, Texas.  Initially a teacher and then a Chicago-based sales rep, in 1991 Karen married Craig, a software entrepreneur based in Coeur d’Alene, and relocated to join him there.  After Craig’s untimely passing in 2003, Karen stayed in Coeur D’Alene, ultimately pursuing a career in real estate and becoming the center of a most loyal and enveloping circle of special friends, her “family of choice,” each of whom would consider Karen his or her best friend.  Karen ensured that physical distance had little impact on the very tight bonds between herself and those she loved.  To her siblings, Karen was their unique, beautiful, brave and adventurous middle sister.  To her nieces and nephews, Aunt Kiki was their wildly generous, irreverent, funny and deeply caring confidant, who created treasured lifelong memories of North Idaho stays, and countless other happy family occasions.  Karen was loved by all who knew her.  She is missed very much. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Fr. David Pinto 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 23, 2023, at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, 92 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Committal and inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.