Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – A month after the tragedy that shocked Grand Haven and made national headlines, the community will come together today to honor the memory of Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz and her six children.
The public memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at Harvest Vertical Church in Grand Haven.
Mandy, 39, and her six children were killed July 24 at their home in Grand Haven Township. Investigators determined the deaths were part of a murder-suicide involving Mandy’s husband and the children’s father, Kristopher Karolkiewicz.
Family members say Monday’s memorial will focus on celebrating Mandy and her children, their personalities, the things they loved and the impact they had on those around them.
In the weeks following the tragedy, Mandy’s family created the Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation Fund. The fund is intended to support the Grand Haven community, including music and arts opportunities for students. It will also help provide assistance with everyday needs for students, particularly at the school where Mandy worked.
Assistant Superintendent of Grand Haven Area Public Schools Jason Reinecke:
Music was an important part of Mandy and her children’s lives, making arts and music education a significant focus of the foundation.
The family has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Grand Haven community and hopes the memorial will provide an opportunity for people to come together, remember the family and begin the healing process.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial donations be made to the Mandy Karolkiewicz Family Foundation through the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
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