Karena Elizabeth Treat, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, left this world unexpectedly, at 26 years old, on June 11, 2022. Born on October 9, 1995 to David and Pamala (Bodrie) Treat of West Branch, Michigan.
Karena remained in West Branch her whole life. After graduating from Ogemaw Heights High School in 2014, she went on to work at Northland Area Credit Union for a time. But it wasn’t until she started working at Murchie and Sons Forest Products and Bunting Sand and Gravel, that she was able to achieve her dream of becoming a heavy equipment operator. Most recently she pursued her passion at M&M Excavating in Gaylord Michigan, driving her haul truck in circles around all the grown men. She proudly started her apprenticeship with Operating Engineers Union #324.
Karena, Bean, Bean Pole, Mowgli…loved to go fast. From the time she could crawl she was running, usually away from any authoritative figures. She also loved to cut her own hair as a child, which usually made for interesting pictures. Whenever mom put her in a frilly dress, she found the closest mud pit to jump into. The only time she seemed to slow down was when she was in her kayak on the water.
She was fiercely loyal to her friends and family, and was never afraid to stand her ground. We will always remember her most for caring personality, infectious smile, and those big brown eyes. Her presence will be sorely missed in every aspect of our lives.
Karena leaves behind her two true loves, her Honda dirt bike and jacked-up GMC. She was an expert driver or each…just don’t give her a mini-van to back up. There has never been a truer joy in this world, than when she was riding wheelies down some old dirt roads. She never said “no” to any kid when they wanted a fast ride on her bike, or to give lessons on how to drive like Aunt Rena.
She also is survived by her parents, David and Pamala Treat; siblings, Josh (Trisha) Treat; Jodi (Michael) Coe, Jon (Michelle Coleman) Treat, Larisa Bussell, and Robert Treat; nieces and nephews, Peyton Coe, Haley Coe, Charlotte Coe, Brooks Coe, Mason Treat, Liam Treat, Ethan Treat, Grace Bussell, Elijah Bussell, and Sophia Treat; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A memorial visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch was held on Thursday, June 16, 2022. The funeral services were held at Faith Alive Church in West Branch on Friday, June 17, 2022. Pastor James Beck will officiate.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Coalition of Hope in West Branch or Faith Alive Church.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steurnolmclaren.com.
