Karol Anne Reardon

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Karol Anne Reardon. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Karol communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Karol knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Karol was born on July 28, 1957 at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan. Her parents were Neal & Sharie Vanderstelt. Karol was raised in Muskegon, Michigan. As a young girl, Karol was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. Karol was raised with five siblings. She had two older sisters, Charlene and Linda, one older brother, Thomas, one younger brother, Roger, and one younger sister, Patti. While growing up, some of her best friends were Laura Vanderstelt, Cheryl Leach and Cheryl Shield.

Karol's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Karol enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Karol took part in bowling and roller skating. She was a Girl Scout. In her spare time she liked cooking, baking, reading, art, and puzzles. She graduated from Muskegon High School in 1975, where she was in the Honor Roll. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English. Karol’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her favorite courses were Government and Literature. She worked towards completing her degree while working full time to support her family.

Karol reveled in the security of her family. On March 3, 1978 Karol exchanged wedding vows with Steven K. Reardon at the Justice of the Peace (with a translator) in Augsburg, Germany. Karol was blessed with two children, Phillip and Paul. She was ever watchful of her children, and would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She and Steven were later blessed with three grandchildren, Aedan, Gabriel and Paisley.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Karol was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. Her primary occupation was as a Benefits Administrator in Prior Authorization. She was employed for over 30 years for United Healthcare and TQL. Karol was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Karol was an Army Veteran. Her sense of duty helped lead her into the military where her understanding of rank, her willingness to abide by rules and regulations and her desire to follow orders was admired by her fellow service men and women. She served from 1976- 1979 in the Signal Unit overseeing tanks in Augsburg, Germany. Through her hard work and dedication, she achieved the rank of Specialist 4. She received several awards recognizing her for her heroism, including a Sharp Shooter, European Tour Badge and Service Medal.

Karol approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. Her favorite pursuits were cooking, baking, puzzles, art, sewing, and she enjoyed singing with her husband and family. Karol and Steven loved a beautiful duet and would break into song from time to time. Karol was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. Later in life, she became friends with Yvonne Stave, Anita Anthony and Carol Worley.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Karol to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included bowling. Her favorite time engaging with sports, however was watching her sons playing baseball while growing up.

A civic-minded person, Karol was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. Politically, Karol was a strong supporter of the Republican Party. Faith was also important to Karol. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. She was a member of Canyon Ridge since its formation at Cimmaron High School. During that time, she was attending church and had joined a prayer group.

In her daily life outside of work, her time was filed with adventure, the love of her family (both near and far), and her pets. When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Karol used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Favorite vacations included traveling across Europe and the United States, along with visiting family back home in Michigan and Ohio. Karol was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Karol’s favorites was Moxy and Max, her yorkies. They were best friends for ten years, and Moxy and Max are both still with us. Karol was looking forward to retirement, during which she could dedicate herself to being a full-time grandmother.

Karol passed away on December 5, 2022 at Mountainview Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. She had Pulmonary Fibrosis and lost her battle against pneumonia. She is survived by her husband Steven; her children Phillip and Paul, and their wives, Anastacia and Crystal; her grandchildren Aedan, Gabriel and Paisley; her sisters Linda and Patti and her brothers Thomas and Roger. Services will be held at Palm Southwest Mortuary. She will be laid to rest in Palm Eastern Cemetery.

All who knew her would agree that Karol was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. Karol Anne Reardon did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

“You will be loved and missed forever, no matter what!” XOXO