Karin Gibbs' Obituary
Karin (Boyny) Gibbs, age 82, of Whitehall and Grand Haven died November 4, 2022. She was born to Herbert and Luise (Kopsel) Boyny on November 23, 1939, in Germany.
The oldest of 4 sisters, Karin was born at the beginning of WW II, and this shaped her life in many ways. As a child of war Karin suffered great trauma, loss, and experienced the worst of humanity. However, she remained always, a kind, cheerful, and grateful person. Karin never had a negative thing to say about anyone, except for her self-deprecating humor. At 17 years old Karin arrived in America on her own and lived with her great aunt and uncle, Elfrieda and Felix Pytlinski, in Robinson Township. Despite no English-speaking skills, and only a few years of school in Germany, Karin completed high school while also working for her aunt and uncle. Two years later, the rest of Karin's family emigrated to America and joined her in Grand Haven, MI.
Karin married Lester Gibbs who was stationed with the Coast Guard in Grand Haven on October 24, 1959. They lived in several places throughout the U.S before settling in Whitehall, MI and shared over 50 years of marriage before Lester's passing in 2010. Karin was an active member of the White Lake Senior Center in Montague where she enjoyed playing cards and shuffleboard. Karin was also an avid reader, gardener, and watcher of true crime shows on television.
Karin was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; son, Mathew Gibbs; and her sister, Sigrid Kieft. She is survived by her son, Andrew (Kirsten) Gibbs; grandchildren, Ava and Sophia Gibbs of Twin Lake; sister, Renate (Nati) and husband Greg Watters of Grand Haven; and Helga Price of Florida. Also, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Although Karin loved flowers, we are sure that her practical and frugal spirit would prefer that if you wish to send a memorial, to please do so in the form of a contribution to the White Lake Senior Center. A visitation with family will be held in her honor on Sunday November 20th from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Shoreline Memorial Services, Whitehall Chapel, 816 S. Mears Ave. Whitehall, Michigan 49461
Arrangements by Shoreline Memorial Services -- Whitehall Chapel -- (231)-893-5300
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