Karel Joy (Fritz) Hanenburg

Karel Joy Hanenburg, age 85, of Coopersville, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by her children.

Born on July 15, 1940, to the late Frank and Ruby (Van Dyk) Fritz, Karel grew up in West Michigan and graduated from Coopersville High School in 1957. She remained active with her classmates throughout the years, helping organize many class reunions. Many in the community came to know her through her long-time employment at DeVries Meats in Coopersville and her attendance at Coopersville Reformed Church, where she was known for her ready smile and infectious laugh.

Karel was welcomed into Heaven by her parents and her brother, James Fritz. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Darlene Hanenburg, Beth (Jerry) Bronkema, James Hanenburg, and Melissa (Joseph) Boguslawski; grandchildren: Steven (Beth), Brent (Nicole), and Brittany Spinner; Mason, Gerrit (Emilee), and Bryce Hanenburg; and Kaitlyn and Adam Boguslawski; and great-grandchildren: Natalie, Mark, Avery, and Eliana Spinner.

Karel shared a special bond with her sister-in-law, Barbara (Carlson) Fritz, wife of her late brother James. She will be fondly remembered by many other extended family members and dear friends.

Relatives and friends may gather with the family on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Coopersville Reformed Church, 423 W. Randall St., in Coopersville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Michigan at https://www.hom.org/donate.

Condolences for the family may be left on Karel’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home

Coopersville, 616-837-8161