The six Karolkiewicz children and their mother laid to rest
A local mother of six was laid to rest along with her children following a two-hour service held Monday, Aug. 24.
GRAND HAVEN — A local mother of six was laid to rest along with her children following a two-hour service held Monday, Aug. 24.
Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, 39, and her four young boys and two young daughters were all shot and killed by Kristopher Karolkiewicz, the children's father and Amanda’s husband, on July 24.
He then attempted to burn the family's Grand Haven Township home down before turning the gun on himself, authorities said.
The obituaries of the children and their mother are posted on Grand Haven-based Sytsema Funeral Home's website.
Mandy was the mother of Keegan Michael Karolkiewicz, 15; Bennett Chase Karolkiewicz, 12; Caroline Grace Karolkiewicz, 11; Smith Wyatt Karolkiewicz, 11; Ella Joy Karolkiewicz, 11, and Theodore Briggs “Teddy” Karolkiewicz, 5. The two girls were adopted from China.
Top, from left: Keegan Michael Karolkiewicz, 15; Bennett Chase Karolkiewicz, 12; Caroline Grace Karolkiewicz, 11; Smith Wyatt Karolkiewicz, 11; Ella Joy Karolkiewicz, 11, and Theodore Briggs “Teddy” Karolkiewicz, 5. [Courtesy]
Kristopher’s obituary is not present on the website, nor was he memorialized during the funeral service on Monday. It’s unclear whether a service took place elsewhere or if one was planned.
Media was not allowed to share or broadcast the 11 a.m. service for the children and their mother, which was live-streamed by the funeral home.
The Ottawa News Network has requested to share the thoughts and feelings of family and friends who spoke fondly of the children and their mother.
Meanwhile, the investigation is still open as authorities await toxicology results.
Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jacob Sparks said on Monday that once those results are in, the investigation will likely be closed. Authorities have not released a motive.
“I’m not sure anyone will ever understand the reason or motive for such a tragedy,” Sparks said.
Police have said all the victims were found in their beds when authorities arrived at the scene. The family pets also perished in the home due to smoke inhalation.
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.
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
