Karen Ann Christopherson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Christopherson on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Karen was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Clara and Ansel Christopherson. They moved to Alpena, MI and she was raised with two sisters, Anita Schrader and Candy Nehring. Karen embraced her end-of-life journey as she did her life – full of love, care and light.

Karen shone her light brightly in everything she did – especially in what she would view her most important role in life. Being a mother. She was a proud parent of Tim Novak. She would light up when she spoke about him and beamed even brighter when she learned he found his life partner, Jessi. And when you thought she could not beam more, it happened when Tim and Jessi had their child, Clara. Karen did not hesitate to share photos and what the newest and greatest thing that Clara was doing. Karen had a deep love for the three of them.

Karen’s superpower was being present and loving others. She held strong spiritual beliefs. There are many people, including social workers who worked for her, clients that she coached or counseled, and people she interacted with, who have benefitted from all of these gifts. She was well read and often knew a great poem, book, or quote that would give someone a new perspective. She listened well, mentored many, and gave the best hugs. She was constantly thinking of others and showed it by writing notes or letters, giving someone the shirt off her back, or finding a deal at a garage sale.

Karen was a natural at her social work profession and coaching. She was the director of the Butterworth/Spectrum Health Social Work Department for the majority of her professional career. Later she established her own private practice and enjoyed counseling and coaching until the last month of her life. While she was well educated with her Master’s of Social Work from MSU, she also believed in intuitive wisdom that she utilized in her own life choices, personal relationships, interactions with strangers, and work. She took it further by empowering others to discover and use their own intuitive wisdom. She was a seeker of knowledge and wisdom in order to be her best self for others.

Any look at Karen's accomplished and meaningful life would be remiss without mention of her passion for cats, angels, romantic movies, and great food cooked by someone other than herself.

Karen is survived by her son, Tim Novak, daughter-in-law, Jessi, grandchild, Clara; and sisters, Candy Nehring and AnitaSchrader; and nieces, Meeghan Werle and Bobbi Boles.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a later date. Karen was a blessing to many. May you carry those fond memories and love with you always.