TRAVERSE CITY — Karen Tanis (Swenson) Brandel passed away suddenly on Dec. 20, 2012, at age 61.
She was born on Sept. 23, 1951, at the navy base in Bainbridge, Md., the daughter of Dr. Roy Alfred Swenson and Annamay (Petrella) Vetter. She grew up in northern New Jersey and graduated from Nutley High School in 1970. Karen received training as a nursery school aide through La Guardia Junior College in Long Island City, N.Y., followed by employment at a private nursery school. In the fall of 1976, Karen married David Brandel and resided in New York City.
She loved singing, her cat, soap operas and Motown music. Karen was a courageous fighter as she endured a long-term illness. In October 2009, Karen was brought to Traverse City to be near family. Bingo, music, television, journal writing, outings to Burger King, lipstick, coffee, her purse and visitors occupied her time during nursing home stays and living at group homes. She was appreciative of those who tried to help her, especially with her failing memory. Karen is now at peace in heaven.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, and stepfather, George Vetter.
Surviving are her sisters, Dale (Paul) Swenson Rajala of Traverse City, and Kim Swenson of Houston; stepmother, Susi Swenson, and "sister" Katrin Swenson of Whitefield, N.H.; two nephews, Sven Rajala of Oakton, Va., and Ebrehim Ghazali of Houston; two nieces, Linnea Rajala of Traverse City and Nisa Garcia of Houston; plus four great nephews.
A special thank you is extended to Birchwood Nursing Home, Area of Aging, Northern Lakes CMH, and Tendercare of Leelenau for their support and enrichment of Karen's life here.
Archive: Tuesday
Karen Tanis (Swenson) Brandel
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FINAL: Beach Bums 10, Evansville 0
The game didn't go the full nine innings, but the Traverse City Beach Bums still won their home opener 10-0 against the Evansville Otters Tuesday night.
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END OF 6TH: Beach Bums 3, Evansville 0
The Beach Bums have extended their lead over the Evansville Otters to 3-0 after six innings.
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UPDATE: Beach Bums 2, Evansville 0 after three
Mother Nature sent some rain to Wuerfel Park for the Traverse City Beach Bums 2013 home opener, but it hasn't slowed them down. They lead the Evansville Otters 2-0 after three innings in a Frontier League baseball game Tuesday night.
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Prep sports scoreboard: 05/21/2013
A roundup of high school sports results from across northern Michigan:
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Bear sighted at Mancelona Middle School
Chad Culver, the school's principal, spied the large mammal on Monday about 9 a.m. when he looked out his window as he met with a teacher.
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Editorial: Earnings-based tuition an artificial construction
The issue: Some NMC programs to see stiff tuition hikes. Our view: Don’t base tuition on artificial ‘earnings’ projections.
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Property owners sue over flooding
A group of Boardman River property owners filed a lawsuit over removal of the Brown Bridge Dam, saying their property values dropped when the river’s water levels rose.
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Tom Doak inducted into Mich. Golf Hall of Fame
Traverse City’s Tom Doak was one of three individuals inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in a ceremony Sunday at the Henry Center at Michigan State University.
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TCL&P may spend $15K on land it doesn't want
The city’s electric utility will spend up to $15,000 on a piece of property it hopes to never own — just in case public opposition foils its preferred location for an electrical substation.
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Letters to the Editor: 05/21/2013
Who awarded contract?; Who could want more?
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Forum: State gets ‘F’ for hidden campaign money
Just how much money was spent independently of candidates on elections for Michigan state office last year?
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Prep Sports Roundup: Frankfort's Zimmerman wins 400th game
Frankfort baseball head coach Mike Zimmerman won his 400th game as Frankfort swept a doubleheader from TC Christian on Monday, 6-4 and 5-3. (Plus more)
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Teens admit to lewd elevator act
Traverse City police are investigating a report of sexual contact between two teens in a Traverse City Central High School elevator.
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Sports in Brief: 05/21/2013
TC Blue Stars win 13U tournament; MHSAA changes transfer guidelines; Toxic Cherries beat Southern Belles.
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Fired Munson clinic employee settles lawsuit
A former Munson Medical Center worker recently settled a lawsuit that alleged her civil rights were violated when she was fired from her job at an HIV-AIDS clinic.
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Free yard waste drop-off offered in Garfield
Garfield Township residents can dispose of yard waste for free starting later this month. No-charge waste passes will be available at Garfield Township Hall starting today through June 4.
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Forecast: More storms followed by cool temps
Meteorologists say to expect more severe thunderstorms coming through the Grand Traverse region.
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TC resident wins $5K Art Van Award of Hope
Cecilia Chesney, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan, received $5,000 for her organization and was given the chance to compete for an additional $25,000 through the Art Van Charity Challenge.
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Community in Brief: 05/21/2013
Weather balloon launch; TCAPS Music Boosters concert; library plant sale and more.
Continued ... - Poll: Base tuition rates on earnings projections?
- May 14, 2013
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Prep sports scoreboard: 05/14/2013
A roundup of high school sports results from across northern Michigan:
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Light & Power names Arends executive director
The board for Traverse City Light & Power shut down its faltering search for a new executive director and threw the switch on Tim Arends.
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Teen charged with drunken driving
Police arrested a 16-year-old Traverse City girl on an operating while intoxicated charge after observing her drive erratically on Garfield Avenue.
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Editorial: Food trucks will help build reputation
The issue: Traverse City OKs food trucks. Our view: New choices will enhance city’s reputation as a foodie haven.
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NMC 'expression policy' put on hold
Trustees placed a newly adopted “campus expression” policy on hold until Northwestern Michigan College staff can specify how it will be implemented and communicate the full policy to those affected.
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Lions sign TC West graduate
Former Traverse City West offensive lineman Darren Keyton, an undrafted rookie free agent, signed with the Detroit Lions on Monday.
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