Karen Rae Novakowski, age 74, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025. She was born to Patricia and Ernest Forgette on November 23, 1950, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Karen graduated from Lee High School in 1968. She had a fulfilling career at Steelcase until her retirement, after which she enjoyed working at Forest Hills Foods.

Karen had a passion for gardening and loved canning foods, especially jams and jellies. She generously shared her fresh vegetables and homemade preserves with friends and family.

She and her husband, John, were longtime members of the Grand A's Model A Club, where they served in various leadership roles. Karen was also an active member of her church, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband John, and her son-in-law Chris Bazner. She is survived by her daughter Tori Bazner, her grandchildren Kit and Maggie Bazner, her siblings Ron White, Jeanne (Bob) Quillan, and Bob (Christine) Forgette, and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Roger (Tina) Novakowski and Georgina Novakowski.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 19, at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546) with Rev. Dan Spaulding officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 18, from 6-8 pm at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, as well as one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mel Trotter Ministries.