Karen Jean Tykwinski Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Karen Jean Tykwinski of Cadillac quietly passed away at her home on March 2, 2012. She was 55. She was born November 1, 1956 at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac to Leonard and MaryAnn (Pierzina) Tykwinski. Karen attended St. Ann Catholic School and graduated from Cadillac High School. After high school Karen attended Davenport College- Grand Rapids and then later received her Associate\'s Degree in accounting from Northwestern Michigan College. She had been employed at Mitchell Corporation and had most recently been employed at the Wexford Community Credit Union for over 15 years as a Security and Compliance Officer. Earlier in life Karen was an avid softball pitcher and enjoyed planning bingo. More recently, Karen enjoyed Star Wars collecting, WII games, exercising, Bunco, trips to the casino and was a lifelong reader. Karen will be lovingly remembered by her friends and family for her willingness to help, her direct and to the point thoughtfulness as well as her smile. Missing Karen are her Mother, MaryAnn \"Sunny\" Tykwinski of Cadillac; brothers: Gery, Michael and Mark Tykwinski all of Cadillac; sisters: Sandra McMillin, Sheri (Stan) Benander, Laurie (John) McKay all of Cadillac, Judy Tykwinski of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Nancy Tykwinski of Cadillac. Karen dearly loved her nephews: Timothy and Dewayne Tykwinski, Don (Sheila) McMillin, Curtis Benander, Matthew (Erin) Benander, Nathan Tykwinski, David (Gianna) McKay and Chad (Laure) McKay. \"Oh, my darling niece\" as Karen called each of her nieces: Annette (Timothy) Jones, Jennifer (Curt) Brackenrich, Abbe Tykwinski, Erica Tykwinski and Patience and Ember Tykwinski. The softest spot in Karen\'s heart was for her great nephews and nieces: Nicole, Joshua, Megan, Mallory, Jessica, Steven, Monty, Andrew, Daniel, Samantha and Sarah. Karen will also be missed by many friends and co-workers; particularly, Theresa and the Coon Family, Bunco buddies and extended family in law and out laws. Karen is greatly loved and will be missed by numerous aunts, uncles and nearly 70 cousins and their families. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Leonard and her brothers Denis and Duane Tykwinski. The Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac with Msgr. Francis Murphy as celebrant. Friends may meet the family Tuesday at the Peterson Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cadillac. Memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Karen Jean Tykwinski

November 1, 1956 - March 2, 2012