Karen L. Vatroba, 77, of Coloma, died peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019 at her residence. Karen was born in St. Joseph, Mich.  to Gustav Alfred Lockwitz and Frieda Linda Popke.

Karen and her husband Frank "Tom"  Vatroba were married for over 55 years. Karen enjoyed traveling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness  in Quetico Provincial Park and staying at lakes in northeastern Minnesota. She also enjoyed traveling throughout lower and upper Michigan as they photographed many waterfalls, lighthouses and scenic shoreline including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, Karen's greatest joy was helping people learn what the Bible teaches about Jehovah God, his son, Christ Jesus and their purpose for the earth and mankind as originally recorded at Genesis 1:28 and that his word never goes unfulfilled as He says at Isaiah 55:11. The way this will be fulfilled is what Jesus taught us to pray for at Matthew 6: 9-10. Her strong faith in the resurrection Jesus promised at John 5:28-29 was a source of real strength to both Karen and her husband during her final days.

In addition to her husband Frank, Karen is survived by her brother William "Bill" (Chris) Lockwitz; and their two daughters, Katie (Mark) De Mercusio and Sarah (Benjamin) Auerbach-Lockwitz; and her sisters three sons, Jeffery Parnell, Steven (Donna) Parnell and Scott (Karen) Parnell.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Darlene (Stan) Parnell.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 3 PM Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home where visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family online may do so by using the "Guestbook" link located on this page.  In lieu of flowers donations in Karen's memory may be made to South Haven Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses or to Caring Circle Hospice.