Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
A memorial service for Karolyn “Kari” S. Vander Woude was held Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Deacon Mike Higgins officiated. Honorary pallbearers were Bryce Jeppesen, Brock Jeppesen, Bailey Jeppesen, Logan Wolthuizen, Kylie Wolthuizen, Tara Dole and Dana Pennings. Interment will be held at a later date in Roseland Cemetery at Sanborn. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.
Karolyn Sue “Kari” Vander Woude, daughter of James “Jim” and Mary (McPherson) Jeppesen, was born in Sibley on May 3, 1965. She spent her youth in Sanborn where she attended the Sanborn Community School, graduating with the Class of 1983.
Following graduation, Kari continued her education at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, with an emphasis on Criminal Justice.
Kari became the bride of Troy Douglas Vander Woude on Friday, Sept. 23, 1988, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. The new couple made Storm Lake their home and soon added three children to complete their family: Lucas, Leigh and Lexi. They were all members of St. Mary’s and participated in church events and functions. Kari was also employed as the business manager at the local newspaper. She enjoyed being involved with her children’s activities when they were in school and always stayed connected with them as they got older and left home. They were only as far away as a phone call. Having everyone together for holidays meant the world to Kari. The stories would start to fly (even if they were slightly embellished) and everyone joined in the fun. Somehow Kari’s laughter seemed to rise above the rest; her warm, caring demeanor would fill up the room and everyone felt comfortable and welcome.
Kari passed from this life into perfection on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at the age of 57. She now joins her grandparents: Virgil and Eileen Jeppesen, and Pete and Millie McPherson; and her father-in-law, Merle Vander Woude.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 34 years, Troy; her children: Lucas Vander Woude, of Denver, Colo.; Leigh Hastings, of Storm Lake; and Lexi Vander Woude, stationed in Germany with the United States Air Force; one grandchild, Emmett Hastings, of Storm Lake; her parents, Jim and Mary Jeppesen, of Spencer; one brother, Lance and his wife, Lynette Jeppesen; one sister, Kathy and her husband, Rick Wolthuizen; other nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Last but not least, the two beloved grand-dogs: Boss and Stella.
