Karen M. (McGuire) Vander Logt

Karen M. Vander Logt, age 67, of Freedom, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side after a 2-year courageous fight with cancer. Karen was born in Appleton on January 2, 1956, to the late Howard and Catherine (Griesbach) McGuire. She graduated from Hortonville High School in 1974. On May 13, 1978, Karen was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard Vander Logt at St. Edwards Church in Mackville. Together they were blessed with four sons. 

Karen had so many wonderful talents, and anything she tried, she mastered. She began making wedding cakes with her mother and later created a successful business on her own for over 20 years. She was an amazing self-taught artist, as well. Following her true artistic passions, she began making one-of-a-kind handcrafted Santa dolls and sculptures for over 20 more years that have been shared around the world. She was also incredibly gifted at sewing, painting, designing, wood working, baking, and cooking. 

While she had many artistic talents and successes, being a selfless and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister was most dear to Karen. She was able to accomplish all of her artistic ambitions while working from home and raising her sons. Everything she did in life was for her family. She treasured the simple moments and times spent together with loved ones - especially during the holidays. She also enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, home improvement projects, sleepovers with her grandsons, watching movies, cookouts, and watching and listening to nature outside on the patio. 

Karen will be dearly missed by her husband of 45 years, Richard; three sons, Aaron (Amanda) and their sons Lucas and Jack; Jace (Brenda); Ben (Elizabeth); and their dog Allie, all of Freedom. She is also survived by her sisters; Mary (Joe) Bauman, Michelyn (Steve) Schmitz; her brother Bobby McGuire; brothers-in-law James Neubert, Mike (Gloria) Vander Logt, Mark (Jean) Vander Logt; sisters-in-law Syndi McGuire, Pat (Chuck) Landwehr, Pam (Dean) Fairey, Paula (Paul) Donarski, and JoAnn Clark. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by son Nathan, parents Howard and Catherine McGuire, sister Marilyn Neubert, brother Ray McGuire, father and mother-in-law Peter and Mary Vander Logt, and brother-in-law Steve Vander Logt. 

A private service will be taking place at Valley Funeral Home in Appleton. 

Our family wishes to thank the staff of ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center and ThedaCare Hospice for the tremendous care given to Karen. We would also like to extend an extra special thank you to Amanda, Brenda, and Elizabeth for their compassionate care of Mom at home. 

Mom, you were the rock and center of our family, and your love and compassion were felt daily. You and Dad were the perfect couple and set the bar for what true love really means. We can't thank you enough for everything you have given us and done for us. You provided a nurturing home and many wonderful memories that will be cherished forever. We will sorely miss the little things, like making sure you waved goodbye every time we left the driveway, the hugs with little pats on the back, constant reminders to watch for deer and "the side roads", giant birthday cookies, always listening and laughing along to our stories (real or imaginary), pushing us to reach our goals and potentials, and most of all, letting us be kids. We will be watching for signs from you, and we will always love you and carry you with us in our hearts. Love - Dad, Aaron, Jace, & Ben

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