MARQUETTE, Mich. - Karin Marie LaChapell, age 42, of Marquette, was tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver in Marquette while walking downtown to enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks with her husband, Bryan LaChapell, who was severely injured as well.
Born June 29, 1970, in downstate Trenton, Karin was raised in Highland and graduated Milford High School in 1988. She attended Oakland Community College and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. Her boundless enthusiasm and positive spirit served her well in her sales career with such companies as Kodak and most recently Coca-Cola. Karin had a way of lifting up and brightening the lives of everyone she met. Through her generosity, at least four organ recipients have now been given the Gift of Life. She was active and particularly enjoyed snowboarding, fishing with her hubby, and her lifetime passion: riding, training, and caring for horses. She found true joy in marriage on February 5, 2011, to Bryan, who deeply adored her, his "wifey."
Karin is survived by her husband, Bryan; her parents, Tom and Beth Maki of Negaunee; her sister, Amy (Carl) Keranen of Lake Linden and their children, with whom she was particularly close: Thomas, Erin, Jeff, her pen-pal Meg, Colleen, and Cara; her brother Andy (Lisa) Maki of Hartland and their children: Lisa Lynn, Nikolaus, and Hanna; her brother Matt Maki of Marquette; in-laws, JoEllen and Donald LaChapell of Ishpeming; sisters-in-law Jennifer LaChapell and Nicole (Nicholas) LaChapell-Hittle; brothers-in-law Andrew, Jesse, Tyler, and Jordan LaChapell; and her horse of 22 years, Taliesyn.
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Karin Marie (Maki) LaChapell
The family extends its gratitude to friends, family, community members, and Marquette General Hospital staff who have offered support through this tragic event. In lieu of flowers, donations to defray the medical costs from this tragedy may be made to Bryan LaChapell, 2853 U.S. 41 West, Marquette, MI 49855.
A celebration of Karin's life will be held Monday, July 9, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church on Maas St. in Negaunee, Pastor Dale Niskanen officiating. Visitation at the church will precede the service, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home of Marquette is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.