Karin Playter

As family and friends will certainly agree, Karin Playter lived an overflowing, beautiful life, making the most of every moment she was given. She was a shining role model of kindness and compassion, and she exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved so much. Nothing brought Karin greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, and she always made sure to hold them close. Her insatiable zest for life was evident to all who were near. Dearly loved, Karin will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

Karin’s story began overseas in the city of Berlin, Germany. Born to Paul and Cecillia VonSchildt, Karin made her entrance into the world on November 29 of 1933. Five years later, she became an older sister to her brother, Bernd. From a young age, Karin loved spending time in the great outdoors, and she enjoyed hiking and camping. She built the foundation of her Roman Catholic faith as a member of the Holy Spirit Parish. During WWII, Karin’s father was drafted into the war and worked in the nearby code office for the war. For a time, Karin and Bernd were sent to live with another family for their own safety. Food was scarce, and those were difficult years that made Karin very resilient, even as a girl.

Karin excelled in English and took six years, eventually working her way into the position of interpreter at the Tempelhof Air Force Base. It was while serving as an interpreter that she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Lyle Playter, and he was stationed on the base as a mechanic with the Air Force at the time. Karin and Lyle were set up on a blind date, and there was an immediate spark between them. Over the next two years of dating, the two fell head over heels in love, and the rest was history. Pledging to spend the rest of their lives together, Karin and Lyle were married at the Tempelhof Air Force Base on January 2, 1954. The newlyweds then enjoyed traveling by Jeep through West Germany.

The following spring, Lyle finished his service in the military, and the young couple set their sights on building their future together in the United States. They moved to Michigan and lived with family for a time while they built a home of their own at 3017 Tuell NW in Grand Rapids. It wasn’t long before Karin and Lyle were overjoyed to become parents to their firstborn son, Steve, in 1955. Their daughter, Chris, joined the family not soon after in 1956. Karin thrived in her role as a mother, and her boys were her greatest pride and joy. Though she wasn’t much of a cook, she was an excellent homemaker and worked hard to keep a neat, welcoming house. Every February, the Playters would make the trip down to Miami, Florida, to visit family. They also traveled back to spend time with family in Germany and Italy numerous times over the years.

Once her sons were in school, Karin stepped into her career at Wood TV. She started by handling the scheduling of shows, but she soon worked her way into the position of secretary and eventually executive secretary. Later in life, Karin was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Family was her greatest treasure in life, and it was important to Karin that the family remained close. She also remained deeply connected to her German roots.

Never one to sit still for long, Karin loved pursuing adventure and fun. She enjoyed going on cruises, meeting all kinds of remarkable people. Karin and Lyle liked to travel and were able to take their trailer all the way to Alaska. She enjoyed all kinds of musical artists, including Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis, and the Beatles. Karin stayed active by waterskiing and playing ping-pong and tennis. She loved entertaining with her accordion. Some of her favorite restaurants were Fingers, Point West, and Boones.

When they weren’t spending their retirement years traveling around the country and the world, Karin and Lyle enjoyed quiet days at home, just the two of them. They made their home in the cabin they had purchased on the beautiful Spider Lake in 1967. Karin and Lyle also had a home in sunny Florida. Their first house in Homestead was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew, and they were able to buy a new one in Lantana, where they lived for a time. Later on, Karin and Lyle sold that home and settled down on Kewadin Street in Grand Rapids, eager to be closer to their loved ones.

When reflecting on the life of Karin Playter, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and unconditional love for her family. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and her arms and heart were wide open to anyone and everyone. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Karin considered herself greatly blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones. Her warm and loving presence radiated joy and contentment to all those around her. Although she is already so missed, Karin leaves behind a priceless legacy that her friends and family will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Karin Playter of Grand Rapids, MI, Age 91, passed away peacefully October 16, 2025. Karin is preceded in death by her husband Lyle Playter. She is survived by her son, Steve (Linda) Playter; daughter, Christina (Dan) Niedzwiecki; brother Bernd VonSchidt grandchildren, Brooke Bowers, Lisa (Craig) Peterson, and Vicki (Brian) Kloosterman; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 11 AM at Holy Spirit Parish, 2230 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with family beginning at 10 AM. Memorials may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Please visit Karin’s personal web page to read more of her life story, leave a message or condolence at www.heritagelifestory.com.