Karen Marie Hirdes passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026 after a fall in her home. Karen loved to garden, read, sew and feed many birds. She enjoyed being outside with her flowers and spending time playing with her beloved dog Cooper.
Karen was born to James and Catherine (Geurink) Smith in Borculo, MI, and called Borculo home until retirement. Karen married Russ Hirdes in (1966), they grew a family and a life in Borculo. Karen’s entrepreneurial spirit was well known in the community, from collectibles and gifts, to flowers and wreaths, her creative spark came through in all she did. Together, Russ and Karen worked hard to build a good life together. In retirement, they left Borculo for their home on the lake in Rothbury, continuing to operate the BBT Bass R Us fishing tournament until Russ’ passing in 2019. Karen never lost her love for beauty in creation, her little Cooper by her side, watching and feeding countless birds and arranging beautiful flowers until the end.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband Russell, whom she spent 52 wonderful years with. Her son Rodney who passed away in 2022. Her parents James and Catherine (Geurink) Smith. Several brother and sister in laws, and her older brother Larry Smith.
She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy (Lew) Verburg and Laurel (Steve) von Dobschutz. Grandchildren Zachary Verburg, Allie (Derek) Lampen, Gideon von Dobschutz and Cole von Dobschutz. Great grandsons Will and Charlie Lampen, Brother Rick (Kathy) Smith, Randy (Diane) Smith, Donald Smith, Sisters Joanne (Eloy) Gonzales and Linda (Jan) Foreman, Sister in law Shirley Bordewyk along with several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Faith Hospice or The Saint Mary’s Foundation.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, Michigan 49424, on April 12, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
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