Karol Ann (Kikstadt) Norton

Karol Ann (Kikstadt) Norton, 85, of Athens, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 4, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Karol was born on September 21, 1937, in Battle Creek to Russell and Mae (Sanders) Kikstadt. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1955 and went on to complete training to become an LPN. Karol first worked for Elm Street Hospital, then Lakeview General Hospital until its closing, then for Dr. Willard K. Hall, and ended her career at Oaklawn Hospital.

Karol was an active member of Wakeshma Community Church. Alongside her husband Richard, Karol was a 4-H Swine Club leader for 18 years. Her and Richard were avid campers as they traveled across the country in their fifth wheel volunteering for churches and orphanages as members of the Roving Volunteers in Christ Service. Karol also enjoyed spending many hours playing cards, dice, and bingo with her special friends at Evergreen Senior Care.

Karol is survived by her children, Ron (Kim) Norton, Julia (Charles) Witthuhn, and Sandra (Jim) VanArman; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister, Diane (Ted) Sweet. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, parents, and sister Donna Tanner.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Life Enrichment and Activities at Evergreen Senior Care, 111 Evergreen Road, Battle Creek, Michigan 49037. Assistance with memorials is available at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.

The family would like to thank the special staff and friends of Evergreen Senior Care for the care, compassion, and love they showed to Karol throughout her time there.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, Michigan 49015.