Karin Bellus

July 23, 1940 - February 9, 2022

Karin G. Bellus (Strodter), a beloved wife, loving mother, sweet sister, caring aunt, adoring Oma, and a faithful friend, died peacefully in her home on February 9th in Lakewood, WA. She was 81. Karin loved her husband, loved her family, and loved her friends. She loved well. Until recently, she had a great life here on this earth, blessed immensely by God as she shared her love with others freely, faithfully, and wholeheartedly. Karin G. Strodter was born in Budingen-Hessen, Germany, on July 23, 1940, to Werner and Hermine Strodter. She spent most of her childhood with her parents and four siblings in Altenstadt-Hochst. She enjoyed traveling, playing handball, dancing, and spending time with her sisters and brother. On February 19, 1965, she wed her beloved sweetheart, Harold, who remained by her side for the following 45 years. As Karin embraced becoming a military wife, she immersed herself in learning to speak English as she transitioned from her native country to America. Karin adjusted to a new way of living, and she quickly found ways to intertwine her native heritage into the new life she was building. Karin confidently became the Matriarch of her family as she was grounded in a deep love for her family. She spent many years holding down the fort while raising her boys, her nieces and nephew, and a few of her grandchildren. As her children grew, Karin worked in her community in the service industry. Regardless of the task before her, Karin would embrace life challenges wholeheartedly. With a smile on her face and love in her heart, Karin shared her gift of hospitality as she warmly opened her home to family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes, even a few strangers. Karin understood the importance of loving well. With a kind smile, a big hug, a favorite dish, or a special treat, she had a gift for making sure people felt like they were special. With that twinkle in her eye, Karin made sure you knew you were loved. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Karin was known to stay busy in whatever role she had as a mother, aunt, caregiver, Oma, cook, or gardener. She could often be found teaching her grandkids how to cook, how to play Australian Rummy, or how to plant things the best way. Karin loved having fun, being creative, and working with her hands. Her garden was her sanctuary of peace, where she spent hours upon hours creating a gift of beauty for all to see. Karin spent the last few years of her life sacrificially as she quietly battled cancer. Karin’s selfless sacrifice was rooted in a deep love for her family. Karin is pre-deceased by her husband, parents, and three siblings. She is survived by her sister, Christel Kunsch. (Bill) Karin’s family includes her 4 Children: Kenneth Bellus (Raechelle), Christopher Bellus (Heather), Michael Bellus, and Timothy Bellus (Jessica). In addition, she is blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Godchildren, nieces, nephews,great-nieces, and nephews. 1st Corinthians 13:4-8 reads: “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.” While our sweetest Karin is sorely missed here on earth, we must learn to live with the love that she left behind. We are thankful for the hope of knowing we will see her again one day. Karin Bellus is alive today. She just does not live in Lakewood any longer. She is now living in heaven with Jesus, in the home prepared for her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to: Lakewood Community Garden Project Kiwanis of Clover Park 9524 Gravely Lake Dr. S.W. Lakewood, WA 98499 Attn: Lakewood Community Garden Graveside Memorial Service will be held at: Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W., Tacoma WA 98499 on Saturday , February 26, 2022 at 11:30am There will be a short reception following the service at Karin's Home.