Karen Bruinius

Karen L. Bruinius (Jensen), age 66, of Tinley Park, IL, went to be with our Lord on April 26, 2024.

Karen was born on October 16, 1957, to Dr. William and Erminie “Jeanne” Jensen in Grand Rapids, MI. After Karen graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1975, she went on to study nursing at Calvin College and later transferred to Thornton Community College.

After graduating from Thornton Community College with an AS in 1981, she started her first job at South Suburban Hospital as a nurse.

At Calvin College, Karen met Bernard W. Bruinius, Jr., and the two were married on June 17, 1978. Karen and Bernard went on to have four children: Mary, Kimberly, Jennifer, and Jacob.

After dedicating her time and energy to raising her four children, Karen returned to school at South Suburban College and graduated in 2004 with a pharmacy technician certification.

Karen enjoyed volunteering at Faith Christian Reformed Church. She served as a Story Hour leader. She also led craft sessions for many years during Vacation Bible School. In addition, she participated in Journey of Joy during several Christmas seasons.

Karen was greeted in heaven by her parents, Dr. William and Erminie Jensen; mother-in-law, Dorothy Bruinius; sister, Mary Jensen; brother-in-law, Craig Boonstra; and nephew, William Wondergem.

Karen is survived by her husband of 45 years, Bernard W. Bruinius, Jr.; her four children, Mary (Mark) Taylor, Kimberly (Daniel) Kooyenga, Jennifer (Ryan) Danyus, and Jacob Bruinius; her father-in-law, Bernard "Butch" (Barb) Bruinius; her grandchildren, Kathryn, Kory, John-Conner, Alexander, Lorissa, Abrielle, Evalyn, and Makayla; her siblings, Douglas (Carol) Jensen, Marcia (Richard) Meyers, Richard (Karen) Jensen, and Kristen Wondergem; her step-siblings, Bud, Andy, and Cindy; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Glenn (Valerie) Bruinius, Terri Boonstra, and Dawn (Scott) Gibson; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home at 15525 73rd Ave., Orland Park, IL, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. A brief visitation will be held at Faith Christian Reformed Church at 8383 W. 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL, on Thursday, May 2, at 10:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Evergreen Park Cemetery.

Memorials to Southwest Chicago Christian Schools, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463  Click Here For Online Donation  are appreciated.

 Below is a photo tribute celebrating Karen's life. 


Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400