Karen May (Teusink) Dalton

Karen May Dalton, a devoted nurse, loving mother, and faithful servant of Jesus, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Thursday, April 11, 2024. She was born on March 16, 1953, at Gerber Hospital in Fremont, the daughter of Marvin and Wilma (Kruithoff) Teusink, and was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Jon Dalton; 2 children, Jeff Dalton (Krystle) and Samson Dalton; 1 grandchild, Aidan Dalton; 4 brothers, Morris Teusink (Linzi), John Teusink (Betty), Paul Teusink (Monica), Phil Teusink (Dawn); 2 sisters, Nora Eastway (beloved-Steve) and Mary Feltner (Donald).

Family was at the core of Karen's heart. From proud Dutch ancestry, the joy and hard work of farm life filled her childhood. As the eldest of seven children, she played a nurturing role, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. She was a devoted, loving, kind, and compassionate mother who always made time to play cards and board games. Her nurturing spirit extended to youth ministries and multiple foster children fortunate to experience her warmth and care.

Compassion marked Karen's professional journey. She attended Grant Christian School and graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School. She earned a nursing degree from Sauk Valley Community College. Karen served most of her professional life as a charge nurse at Van Dyk Manor nursing home in Ridgewood, NJ. Her caring nature, kind words, and colorful pins touched lives and brought smiles to many faces during challenging times.

Karen found joy in simple pleasures of nature like watching birds, going for boat rides, and admiring the Fall colors. She was a seamstress, fisherwoman, and an expert-level Bejeweled computer game player. Her love for tulips, windmills, lighthouses, and her favorite color, purple, reflected her vibrant personality.

Karen's unshakable faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life. In her later years, she dedicated herself to Trinity Fellowship Church in Newaygo, faithfully guiding the church family in prayer for others, leading small group Bible studies with her husband, and coordinating the growing children's ministry. Her love for Jesus also shone through her music, whether playing hymns on the piano, organ, or even the accordion. 

One of her favorite Bible verses was: "Taste, and see that Adonai is good. How blessed are those who take refuge in him!" - Psalm 34 verse 8.

Karen would want us all to remember her hope and passionate faith in Jesus. Her unwavering love and dedication to caring for others will continue to inspire us all. Her legacy of fighting the odds will be with us forever. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 12-2 pm at Trinity Fellowship Church in Newaygo with the memorial service following at 2 pm. After the service, Karen will be laid to rest at Reeman Cemetery in Fremont. Please consider donating to her memorial fund with details available on the Memorial Webpage and a GoFundMe supporting local and international charities to continue sharing her love.

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