Memorials set for mother, 6 children who died in Grand Haven Twp. murder-suicide
The Grand Haven area will remember the lives of the Karolkiewicz family in a memorial service scheduled for later this month.
GRAND HAVEN TWP. — The Grand Haven area will remember the lives of the Karolkiewicz family in a memorial service scheduled for later this month.
Amanda "Mandy" Karolkiewicz, 39, and her six children were found dead July 24 in the family's Grand Haven Township home. Her husband, Kristopher Karolkiewicz, 47, shot and killed his wife and children before attempting to set the house on fire and turning the gun on himself, according to police.
The service is set for 11 a.m. Aug. 24 at Harvest Vertical Church in Grand Haven Township.
The family’s children included 15-year-old Keegan, 12-year-old Bennett, 11-year-old Smith, 11-year-old Ella, 11-year-old Caroline and 5-year-old Theodore.
“Mandy and her children had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged, and we want this service to reflect that,” family spokesperson Emily Jones wrote in a statement. “Whether you knew them for years or only knew them from afar, you're welcome to join us, in person or online.”
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support pouring in from the Grand Haven community and beyond,” Jones said. “We ask that this occasion be one of remembrance, and that the community continues to hold the memory of Mandy and the children with care and compassion as we grieve together and celebrate the joy they brought into the world.”
The family requests that no photos, audio or video be taken anywhere on the church grounds, including the parking lot. A livestream will be available for media and those unable to attend in person through Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Here are the obituaries for Mandy Karokiewicz and her children:
Amanda "Mandy" Karolkiewicz
November 13, 1986-July 23, 2026
Amanda Rachel “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, age 39, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Thursday, July 23, 2026.
She was born November 13, 1986, in Royal Oak, Michigan, to Gary Anderson and Rebecca (Wood) Anderson. Mandy married Kristopher Karolkiewicz on August 21, 2009.
Mandy was a mom, educator, and author with a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a contagious smile that would light up a room. Growing up, Mandy was her mom’s shadow and was inseparable from her sister, Molly. She was a tender-hearted girl who played softball, loved to sing, and once won “Miss Congeniality” in a Miss Michigan pageant. In third grade, after learning about orphanages in China, she felt compelled to help and made a commitment to adopt from China if the opportunity presented itself.
Some students remember Mandy as the “Blow-Pop Lady.” Whether a student did something particularly good or had an especially bad day — either way, Mandy had a Blow-Pop for them. In January 2026, Grand Haven Public Schools recognized her impact as a substitute teacher at Peach Plains Elementary: “Mandy goes above and beyond for students, especially when they’re having a hard day, responding with empathy, patience, and care. She pours her heart into her work, is always willing to help wherever needed, and helps make Peach Plains a better place to learn and work."
Mandy loved her family, and especially her six children — Keegan, Bennett, Caroline, Ella, Smith, and Teddy — to whom she dedicated her children’s book, "The Magical Mantra" (2023) and for whom she modeled a life of curiosity, courage, and self-sacrifice. And she kept that promise to adopt, welcoming Caroline and Ella — both orphaned in Hangzhou — into her family in 2017 and 2018. She recently took them to visit China so that they could get to know the country of their birth.
Her family agrees that Mandy truly made the world a better and brighter place, and they will dearly miss her.
Mandy is survived by her parents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson; sister, Molly (Kyle) Cessna, and step-sister, Jericca (Austin) Rys; eight nieces and nephews; in-laws, Bill (Barb) Karolkiewicz, John Barwacz.
She was preceded in death by her step-brother, Allston Lawwill; mother-in-law, Athena “Tina” Barwacz. Her beloved children passed away with her.
A celebration of life for Mandy and her children will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Keegan Michael Karolkiewicz
April 25, 2011-July 24, 2026
Keegan Michael Karolkiewicz, age 15, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.
He was born April 25, 2011, in Lansing, Michigan, to Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz and was a rising ninth-grader at Grand Haven High School.
Keegan was outgoing, friendly, funny, and gentle, known for reaching out to and befriending others. He had a habit of including everyone and noticed those standing alone. Keegan loved his siblings and was proud to be the oldest. He took his big-brother responsibilities seriously, teaching his younger siblings the ways of TikTok.
Keegan ran cross-country, but he was most competitive with himself – he always wanted to finish faster than his most recent race, and he ran his best time at his last meet. His love of cooking temporarily translated into a desire to be a chef, until he realized it was not as easy as warming things up in the microwave. Next up was driving: Keegan had just passed driver's ed and was looking forward to getting his license next April.
He is survived by his grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Keegan will be deeply missed.
His parents and siblings — Bennett, Caroline, Ella, Smith, and Teddy — passed away with him.
A celebration of life for Keegan, his mom, and his siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church – Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Bennett Chase Karolkiewicz
August 22, 2013-July 24, 2026
Bennett Chase Karolkiewicz, age 12, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.
He was born August 22, 2013, in Lansing, Michigan, to Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz and was a rising seventh-grader at Lakeshore Middle School.
Bennett loved all things outdoors. When he was very young, he would go around the yard identifying insects and reptiles and hunting for turtles. When he caught his first fish, he pulled it out of the water, looked at it, and said, “Hi!” This past year, he set out to win a trophy in the Stony Lake Fishing Tournament, and he did, taking home third place. He recently earned his hunting license and bagged his first doe with his Grandpa last fall.
Bennett shared his mom’s love of singing and participated in the school choir. He had an inquisitive mind, enjoyed trivia, and loved history. He recently spent time learning about World War II. Bennett treasured a gift from his Grammy and Papi — a small glass bottle with a pinch of sand from the beaches of Normandy.
He is survived by his grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Bennett will be deeply missed.
His parents and siblings — Keegan, Caroline, Ella, Smith, and Teddy — passed away with him.
A celebration of life for Bennett, his mom, and his siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation — Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Caroline Grace Karolkiewicz
November 21, 2014-July 24, 2026
Caroline Grace Karolkiewicz, age 11, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.
She was born November 21, 2014, in Hangzhou, China, and was adopted by Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz when she was 2 years old. Caroline was a rising sixth-grader at White Pines Intermediate School.
Caroline was up for conquering any challenge. Last summer, she gave herself the challenge of reading 100 books, and she did it. Born with limited use of the right side of her body, she played basketball, joined a swim team, and fished — until she had to hook her own worms, that is. Whenever she visited her Grammy and Papi’s home, she played the piano and drums. She was the first grandchild to fly in the pilot’s seat of a small plane with her Papi.
Caroline was always curious about her birth country — especially the food and technology — and had hoped to reconnect with her foster mother during her recent visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou with her mom and her sister Ella.
She is survived by her grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Caroline will be deeply missed.
Her parents and siblings — Keegan, Bennett, Ella, Smith, and Teddy — passed away with her.
A celebration of life for Caroline, her mom, and her siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Smith Wyatt Karolkiewicz
June 24, 2015-July 24, 2026
Smith Wyatt Karolkiewicz, age 11, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.
He was born June 24, 2015, in Lansing, Michigan, to Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz and was a rising fifth-grader at White Pines Intermediate School.
Smith loved playing in the sand, shelling in Florida, and hunting for Petoskey stones and sea glass in Michigan. As a devout vegetarian, he had reservations about the family’s fishing pastime, but he joined in anyway. When he once caught a fish big enough to eat, he said, “Grandpa, throw him back in!” He enjoyed deviled eggs and meatless spaghetti, and at family cookouts, he’d make his vegetarian meal on his own grill.
Smith had joined the swim team with his sister Caroline, and he was just learning to waterski and play golf with his Papi. He took great care of his little brother Teddy, but he did not want to share a bed with him at Grammy and Papi’s house – he said Teddy slept like a starfish. Any time they had to share a bed, you would find Smith asleep on the floor in the morning.
He is survived by his grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Smith will be deeply missed.
His parents and siblings — Keegan, Bennett, Caroline, Ella, and Teddy — passed away with him.
A celebration of life for Smith, his mom, and his siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Ella Joy Karolkiewicz
February 21, 2015-July 24, 2026
Ella Joy Karolkiewicz, age 11, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.
She was born February 21, 2015, in Hangzhou, China, and adopted by Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz when she was 3 years old. Ella was a rising fifth-grader at White Pines Intermediate School.
Ella was a fashionista with an artistic eye and a knack for finding lost things. She loved the black faux leather miniskirt and glitter combat boots she got for Christmas. She made crafts at her Grammy and Papi’s home and proudly displayed them in her room. Whenever a family member lost something, Ella would volunteer to find it — sometimes for a small fee. Ella was soft-spoken and deliberate. When she said something, it made an impact.
During family gatherings, while her siblings roughhoused and ran, she loved to be with the adults — especially her mom, Mandy. She was her mother’s shadow. On a recent trip to China with her mom and sister Caroline, Ella looked forward to the shopping and served as navigator for the group.
She is survived by her grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ella will be deeply missed.
Her parents and siblings — Keegan, Bennett, Caroline, Smith, and Teddy — passed away with her.
A celebration of life for Ella, her mom, and her siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Theodore "Teddy" Karolkiewicz
Octover 4, 2020-July 24, 2026
Theodore Briggs “Teddy” Karolkiewicz, age 5, of Grand Haven, Michigan, died Friday, July 24, 2026.
He was born October 4, 2020, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Amanda (Anderson) and Kristopher Karolkiewicz. Teddy was a rising kindergartener at Peach Plains Elementary School.
Teddy was a celebrity among his older siblings’ friends. He was the first of the siblings to do a flip off their pool’s diving board. He threw himself recklessly into everything — always running, always falling down, always getting up. He never quite mastered running in his Crocs. And he was a scrappy little guy. Whenever he came to his Grammy and Papi’s home, the first thing he’d do was find their two pairs of boxing gloves, give one pair to the nearest innocent bystander, and square off.
Teddy loved Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, but loved motorcycle rides with his Papi even more. He enjoyed preschool but was hesitant to start kindergarten this fall at Peach Plains Elementary School, where his mom was a beloved substitute teacher. Teddy always referred to school as “going to work.”
He is survived by his grandparents, Becky and Steve Lawwill, Gary Anderson, Bill and Barb Karolkiewicz, and John Barwacz. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Teddy will be deeply missed.
His parents and siblings — Keegan, Bennett, Caroline, Ella, and Smith — passed away with him.
A celebration of life for Teddy, his mom, and his siblings will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harvest Vertical Church — Grand Haven Campus, 12900 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Memorial contributions in memory of the Karolkiewicz family may be given to: Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation – Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. For more information, please visit Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
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