As the matriarch of the Brock family, Karen Brock was responsible for the ever present feeling of love and warmth anyone lucky enough to be in her presence felt. And while that comfort we all felt when being around her may have shown up in different ways, one thing was clear everyone felt enough of that love to allow them to be authentically who they are: unapologetically loud, sometimes inappropriate, cracking joke after joke, and the endless razzing about who the “favorite” child was. Karen’s love touched us all, from those of us born into the family to those of us brought into the family. As the family grew, so did the love Karen shared, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. 

When I was growing up, I was fortunate enough to have my grandma visit often. Anytime she visited, there were 2 things I knew for sure: 1) I would get a McDonald's McFlurry after being picked up from school, and 2) Going to a garage sale was imminent. So obviously every time she visited was the best day ever. The excitement I felt every time she visited is the feeling I can only hope to make others feel when in my presence. She was a light, and she was kindness, and she will be missed, but the love she showed and taught all of us is the gift that will keep on giving. Every day I will strive to live to be as kind and good as my grandma was.

I remember after my husband proposed to me and he was meeting my grandma and family for the first time, he was given a loud, but loving welcome, informing him no matter what happens with me, he’s now a part of this family forever. The love my grandma made everyone feel was so deep, it became ingrained in all of us too. Once you join the Brock clan, you’re a Brock for life. And that’s how her legacy will live on in all of us through love and our ever-expanding family. 

Karen is survived by her five children, Michele (Thomas) Brossard of Celebration, FL Michael Brock of Grand Rapids, Todd (Amy) Brock of Shepherd, Rhonda Brock of Mt. Pleasant and Shawn Brock of Ithaca; eight grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Brad) Felcyn, Gabriela Brossard, Matthew (Chelsey) Brock, Marisa (Brandon Zyrski) Brossard, Justin Brock, Mason (Rosanna) Brock, Katherine Brock, Kennedy Phillips, Paul Richardson and Gabe (Mallory Edwards) Miniard; four great-grand children, Louelle and Waylon Brock, Nolan and Aubree Felcyn; siblings, Donalda (Rich) Berglund of Marquette, Karlene (Carl) Hoffman of Kaukauna, WI, Kevin (Mary Kay) Smith of Owosso, Alicia (Gene) Schlueter of Gladstone, and Maggie Rooney of Racine, WI; several nieces and nephews; and her cat, Callie. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Roberta (McManus) Smith; husband, David Brock; brother-in-law, Bill Rooney; and son-in-law, Curt Ritchey.

A Celebration of Karen's life will be held on Saturday, September 12 at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Divine Living Center of Mt. Pleasant in Karens honor.