Karen Doorn

Karen Renee Doorn, nee VanGilst, age 61, beloved wife for 37 years to Henry Doorn, Jr. Loving mother of Brian (Debra) Doorn, Megan Doorn, Adam Doorn and Aaron (Erika) Doorn. Adored grandmother of Callie, Camden, Brayden and Meredith; Grayson and Easton. Devoted daughter of Geraldine and the late Kenneth VanGilst. Dear sister of Jaci (Andy) David, Joel (Lisa) VanGilst and Bryce (Shannon) VanGilst. Treasured daughter-in-law of Henry Sr. and the late Doris Doorn. Wonderful sister-in-law of Jim (Margie) Doorn, Albert Doorn, Ken (Jill) Doorn and Ruth Doorn. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews. Cherished friend, colleague and teacher to many.

Karen grew up in Oskaloosa IA, the daughter of a hog farming family. It was there that she learned the value of hard work and was nurtured in her Christian faith. She attended Dordt University and majored in elementary education, with a math minor. Upon graduation, she moved to the Chicago area to teach at Southwest Chicago Christian School, following the encouragement of her father and grandfather to broaden her experience beyond her Iowa upbringing.

She met and then married Henry Doorn in 1986. They were blessed with four children and a wonderful and supportive extended family and church community. Karen always had a passion for Christian education, teaching 1st grade, kindergarten and eventually high school algebra. She loved each and every student she taught. Her desire was for her students to understand the lavishness of God’s grace and the wonder of his creation. She shared this passion with her colleagues whom she considered close friends.

Karen’s love for the Lord was evident in every aspect of her life. She brought joy and laughter to so many, and cherished her relationship with each person she met. Even in hard times, she would always proclaim “God is Good, All the Time”!

 CLICK HERE TO VIEW KAREN'S FUNERAL SERVICE 

Visitation Friday, June 14, 2024 from 2-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. Additional Visitation Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Orland Park Christian Reformed Church, 7500 Sycamore Drive, Orland Park, IL from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Recording of Karen's Funeral Service is posted above. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South, Oak Lawn, IL.

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In lieu of flowers, memorials to Southwest Chicago Christian Schools Foundation, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 are appreciated.  Click here for online donation and designate "Foundation-In Memory/Honor of a Loved One"