Obituary of Karolyn Sue Vander Woude

    Karolyn Sue “Kari” Vander Woude, daughter of James “Jim” and Mary (McPherson) Jeppesen, was born in Sibley, Iowa on May 3, 1965. She spent her youth in Sanborn, Iowa where she attended the Sanborn Community School, graduating with the class of 1983.

    Following graduation, Kari continued her education at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, Iowa with an emphasis on Criminal Justice.

    On Friday, September 23, 1988, Kari became the bride of Troy Douglas Vander Woude at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. The new couple made Storm Lake their home and soon added three children to complete their family: Lucas, Leigh, and Lexi. They were all members of St. Mary’s and participated in church events and functions. Kari was also employed as the business manager at the local newspaper. She enjoyed being involved with her children’s activities when they were in school and always stayed connected with them as they got older and left home; they were only as far away as a phone call. Having everyone together for holidays meant the world to Kari. The stories would start to fly (even if they were slightly embellished) and everyone joined in the fun. Somehow Kari’s laughter seemed to rise above the rest; her warm, caring demeanor would fill up the room and everyone felt comfortable and welcome.

    On Thursday, December 22, 2022, Kari passed from this life into perfection. She now joins her grandparents: Virgil and Eileen Jeppesen, and Pete and Millie McPherson; and her father-in-law, Merle Vander Woude.

    Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 34 years, Troy; her children: Lucas Vander Woude of Denver, Colorado, Leigh Hastings of Storm Lake, Iowa, and Lexi Vander Woude stationed in Germany with the United States Air Force; one grandchild, Emmett Hastings also of Storm Lake; her parents, Jim and Mary Jeppesen of Spencer, Iowa; one brother, Lance and his wife, Lynette Jeppesen; one sister, Kathy and her husband, Rick Wolthuizen; other nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends - last but not least, the two beloved grand-dogs: Boss and Stella.  

In lieu of floral remembrances, the family would like to suggest

 a donation to Stand Up To Cancer if you wish to honor Kari with a gift.