Republic- Karen L. Stroobants, age 73 of 309 Maple St. Republic Twp, passed away Tuesday February 9, 2016 at her home while in the loving care of her husband and UP Home Health & Hospice.

Karen was born October 24, 1942 in Toronto, Ont, Canada to John B. & Marjorie V. (Holliday) Horner.
Karen received a PhD in Health & Psychology and taught at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina and also at Ohio State University.

While living in Republic Karen was a member and past president of the Republic Lions Club, active with the Republic United Methodist Women and a enthusiastic supporter of the Northwoods Airlife Line. Karen enjoyed knitting, participating in community projects, the company of her animals and was an avid follower of health research and advances as well as environmental issues. She read most of James Patterson's novels

Karen is survived by her husband Gene Stroobants, a daughter Marcy (James) Bristo of Ovina, TX, a sister Sherry Dorion of Chetticamp, Nova Scotia, a granddaughter, a grandson, her feline pets: "Sugar & Spice" and her canine "Turbo". Karen was preceded in death by her parents John & Marjorie Horner and a brother John B. Horner Jr..

A gathering to celebrate Karen's life will be held from 1:00-2:00pm on Wednesday. February 17, 2016 at the Republic Township Hall 279 Kloman Ave. Republic with a service to follow at 2:00pm with Teri Branstrom to officiating. A coffee social will follow.

Honoring Karen's wishes her body was donated to science to Michigan State University.

Memorials may be directed to either Northwoods AirLifeline at P.O. Box 2973, Kingsford, MI 49802 or northwoodsairlifeline.org or the Republic Lions Club.

Karen's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .