Karen Jean Wood
Karen Jean Wood, a woman of deep faith, exceptional work ethic and great love of her family, went home to be with the Lord on November 24, 2025.
Karen, 89, of Charlotte was born on December 13, 1935, in Eaton County to Elmer Victor and Ruth Emma (Noddins) Sederlund. She grew up on the family dairy farm in Eaton Rapids, earning the high school academic letter playing the clarinet in the Eaton Rapids High School Band. After High School, she and two friends traveled to California to visit Disneyland and other attractions throughout the U.S. She married Bob Wood on July 16, 1966. She was employed with the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources Administrative Assistant, retiring in 1989.
Bob and Karen owned a cabin within the Chippewa River Vista when the children were young. In retirement Bob and Karen enjoyed traveling around the country in their MGB with the MGB Car Club. Karen was a great cook. Around the holidays family and friends loved her Waldorf Astoria Cake. She especially enjoyed the annual gathering where they made homemade ice cream and donuts. Eventually, they started spending winters in Florida, making Englewood their home away from home where they quickly made new friends and became regular members of the Englewood Church of the Nazarene. Karen was a past Matron of Kalamo Order of the Eastern Star. Karen loved her family deeply and instilled the importance of faith in her children and grandchildren.
Karen is survived by; children, Dana Wood of Charlotte, Terry Wood of Charlotte, and Jon (Kim) Wood of Marion, MI; step-children, Mike Wood, Sherry Wood Copenhaver; grandchildren, Ashton (Chelsey) Wood, Brennon Wood (engaged to Paige Bird), Alexus (Joe) Wood-Anzaldua, Brooke Wood (engaged to Nick Burzycki), Jordan Wood, and Katelyn Wood; step-grandchildren, Troy (Tonya) Pitcher, Shawn (Mike) Miller, Kristine Latchaw, Mark (Laura) Wood, 21 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lorna (Wood) Crawford; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert; brother, Roger Sederlund; step-son, Matthew Wood; grandson, Skylar Wood; step-grandson, Randy Pitcher.
Friends are encouraged to support Karen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, November 30, 2025, 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services are Monday, December 1, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Karen’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.