Karen Marie (Baumgart) Hildreth

Karen Marie Hildreth, age 71, of Grand Haven, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Robbinswood Assisted Living. She was born on August 7, 1954, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late Eugene and Leona (Boyk) Baumgart. Karen married Daniel Hildreth on September 19, 1987, on the Harbor Steamer Boat in Grand Haven. He preceded her in death on June 11, 2017, almost nine years to the date of her passing, after sharing 30 years of marriage.

Karen graduated from Grand Haven High School, Class of 1972. She was a longtime member of St. Patrick - St. Anthony Parish and a lifetime resident of Grand Haven. A memory that her brother, Allen shared was drag racing her 1972 Camaro up and down Beechtree St. with her classmates.

Karen enjoyed going to the property up north and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. A favorite pastime that Dan and Karen both enjoyed was sitting in their garage for hours catching up with their neighbors and friends.
Karen loved her daily dose of diet-coke, strawberry sundaes, and having a Tip-A-Few burrito on Mother's Day along with a bouquet of pink carnations. Her music choices in the earlier days were Kenny G. and Enya. She had a sharp sense of humor and always kept others laughing. She loved to find a good deal while shopping at JC Penney's and Kohl's.

After moving into Robbinswood in 2018, Karen got a motorized scooter. She would proudly cross the busy road without looking for traffic either way to visit D & W to get her favorite Frappuccino.

Karen will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughters, Erica (Jason) Meyer of Spring Lake and Sara (Jason) Heathcott of Nashville, TN; her son, Bryan Hildreth of Grand Haven; step-daughter, Jillian Bender (Jeremy) of Ferrysburg; six grandchildren: Avalyn Meyer, Harper & Hayden Heathcott, Caleb (Samantha) Stratton, Dakota (Kaitlyn) Mathews, and Grace Hildreth; her brother, Allen Baumgart of Grand Haven; sisters-in-law, Melodee Baumgart; Connie LaFrance (Steve) Jones; Kathy (Fred) Sanford, and Cindy (Larry) Jackman; brothers-in-law, Don Heinz and Larry (Gloria) Hildreth; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dan; brothers, Ron, Dale, and Larry Baumgart; nephew, Scott Baumgart; her sisters-in-law, Beth Baumgart, Chris Baumgart, and Bonnie Heinz; her mother-in-law, Betty Gee & father-in-Law, Hale Gee; along with her beloved dog, Bella.

The family would like to thank the staff at Robbinswood Assisted Living for their loving care of Karen over the years she resided there, along with the staff at Trinity Health at Home Hospice of Grand Haven, for all the comfort she received. Kim Gillard was a special friend and caregiver to Karen for many years and took in Bella when Karen moved into Robbinswood.

Private family services will take place.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Harbor Humane Society, a charity that was close to her heart.

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