KayLyn Vanderveen, of Grand Rapids, MI, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 2nd, 2020. She was 79 years old. Praises to the most high that KayLyn is no longer in pain and is dancing with angels.

KayLyn was born to parents Stanley and Cedell (Harr) Bloomquist on February 22nd, 1941 in Big Rapids, MI. She graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1959 and went on to study Nursing at Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing. She met Arthur Harold Carlen and they were married in 1966. KayLyn and Arthur later divorced but remained good friends. KayLyn served the Grand Rapids and surrounding area as a Registered Nurse for 19 years before retiring from Butterworth Hospital in 1982.

She enjoyed singing, cooking, painting and crafting, sewing, and volunteering. KayLyn was a long-time member of Faith Lutheran Church where she met her husband of 38 years, Everett James Vanderveen. KayLyn and Jim helped plant St. Lukes Lutheran Church on Four Mile and the East Beltline. She served on, and headed many committees at the church as well as sang in the choir. They both enjoyed volunteering within the Grand Rapids community and especially with ACCESS of West Michigan. They especially enjoyed helping with the poverty education and role playing workshops ACCESS would run. Later, they joined Oakhill Presbyterian Church.

KayLyn was preceded in death by her father Stanley, mother Cedell, Uncle Clifford, her Aunts Barbara, and June, as well as her first husband Arthur.

KayLyn is survived by her husband Jim, son Craig (Robin) Carlen, brother John (Terri) Bloomquist, nephews Joshua (Bobbi Jo) Bloomquist and their children Layla, Noland, and Hadley, Jarrod Bloomquist and his fiancee (Emily Russell) along with many friends. Including her dear, life-long friend Margaret Lazar whose friendship with KayLyn spanned seven decades.

A Memorial is scheduled for December 16, 2020 at 11:00am at Oakhill Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. KayLyn's family will be available at 10:00am to meet with and console her friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakhill Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choosing. Service Details. Memorial Service
When: Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 11:00am
Location: Oak Hill Presbyterian
Address: 1930 Leonard St NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505