Barbara June Karhoff

Barbara June Karhoff (Maginity) passed away peacefully at home in Palmetto, Florida, on the morning of July 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  Barb was born on October 3, 1927, in Beulah, Michigan to Sylvester “Mac” and Lena Maginity.  When Barb was young, Mac’s employment opportunity with the Grand Trunk Railroad brought the family to Durand, Michigan.  There she graduated from Durand High School in 1945 and married Bernard “Don” Karhoff on June 15, 1946.  Together they raised three children, Karen, Don, and Kirk.

Barb’s home in Durand was a gathering place for women and children in the neighborhood.  She was involved in Girl Scouts, her children’s activities and sports, and taught knitting and crocheting classes while operating a yarn shop out of her home for many years.  She and her husband of 59 years loved dancing and belonged to the community dance club.  They enjoyed many summers at their cabin in AuGres, MI, where Barb welcomed and entertained relatives, friends, and the kids’ summer companions up and down the beach.  In 1980, following Don’s retirement, they moved permanently to the Piney Point community in Palmetto, Florida.  There they became travel escorts for Piney Point Travel and visited many fascinating places.  In addition, Barb led craft classes, took up quilting, and continued knitting and crocheting.  She spent the last five years under the loving care of her son Kirk and daughter-in-law Peggy, with weeks in summer spent at the Lake Huron home of her son Don and his wife Lynn.  Over the years, she and her sister Ann, often referred to as Thelma and Louise, had many great adventures, along with a little bit of mischief.

Family was at the center of her being, and she loved keeping up with, supporting, and being involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  All will miss the love and sparkle she sprinkled everywhere she went. Her wit and wisdom shone brightly until the very end.

Barb is survived by her daughter Karen (Lee) Lewis of Minnesota, son Kirk (Peggy) Karhoff of Palmetto, daughter-in-law Lynn Karhoff of Michigan, sister Ann Maginity of Palmetto, 7 grandchildren: Troy (Christen) Karhoff, Brett Karhoff, Angela (Scott) Welch, Deron (Angela) Lewis, Douglas Karhoff, Marlo (Matt) Haugen, Geoffrey (Holly) Karhoff, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents Mac and Lena, son Don, daughter-in-law Sharon (Bowns) Karhoff, brother Keith, sister Patricia, and infant grandson Daniel Karhoff.

Per her wishes, Barb was cremated, and a Celebration of Life will take place in Florida come November.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to a charity of your choosing.