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Karen Swanson Obituary
Born Nov. 11, 1962, in Sycamore, she was the daughter of Fred and Darlene (Frantum) Swanson. Karen attended grade school in Hampshire, was a 1980 graduate of Sycamore High School and attended Kishwaukee College for two years. Karen worked for a while at The National Bank & Trust Co. and at Punk's Firestone, both in Sycamore. She was the office manager for nearly 20 years at Buck Bros. John Deere dealership in Hampshire.
She had a true love of farming, animals, antiques and auctions. Karen clerked at many auctions for Gordon Stade Auction Service.
Karen was a member of Sycamore United Methodist Church and its Covenant Women's Group. She was an active member of Kishwaukee Super Sledders Snowmobile Club and was captain of her Wednesday-night league volleyball team. Karen was a loving daughter, sister and aunt whose smile and laugh will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her dad, Fred, of Sycamore; a sister, Carol (Glenn) Bolander of Genoa; two nephews, Justin and Josh Bolander; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her mom, Darlene, on July 10, 2003.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave., with the Rev. Nancy Weingartner officiating. Burial will be at Hampshire Center Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, and from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the Karen S. Swanson Memorial Fund, in care of Fredrick Funeral Home, P.O. Box 445, Hampshire, IL 60140-0445.
For information, call (847) 683-2711.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Swanson
Sponsored by anonymous.
Barbara Josh
October 4, 2006
Many years ago I worked with Karen at The National Bank & Trust Co. of Sycamore. While I remember her smiling face and fun we had, I will never forget how genuinely kind she was without fail. Karen, you will always shine bright!
Michelle Cadie
September 25, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Amber Leuer & Family
September 23, 2006
Carol, Fred, and Family - I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Karen was a terrific person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Personette
September 22, 2006
I worked with Karen in the early 80s at the National Bank. We had fun every day we worked together because she was always in a good mood. She always started a conversation with a smile and always ended it with everyone smiling.
Kathryn (Lofthouse) Madden-Downs
September 22, 2006
My thoughts and prayers truly go out to your family. May God's Love and all His promises get you through this difficult time. May Heaven enjoy Karen's laughter and friendship, as we all have throughout the years.
Marv and Sharon Carlson
September 22, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with Fred,Carol and family. May God
bring strength and comfort to all.
Phyllis (Gorbet) Bradley
September 22, 2006
I did not know Karen but I graduated with her late mother Darlene. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Felicia Owens
September 22, 2006
Karen was a wonderful person who always had a smile on her face and always made you laugh. She will be greatly missed by the Class of 1980. God must of decided that she had touched enough people down here and needed her help in heaven. She is at peace now with her mother.
God Bless the Swanson family.
Julie Edwards
September 22, 2006
Our sympathys go out to Carol and Fred. I went to high school with Karen. We will certainly miss her laughter and out-going personality.
Julie (Sigman) and Steve Edwards
Adrineh, Jim, Jamie & Doray Sietsema
September 22, 2006
Our thoughts, prayers, and our deepest sympathy are with all that are touched by the loss of Karen.
Sue (Wirsing) Rankin
September 22, 2006
My memories of Karen are of her tremendous smile that seemed to light up where ever she was and of her infectous laughter. Her presence will be felt for many years to come in the lives and hearts of those she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Darren Knuth
September 22, 2006
I have many pleasant memories of Karen. She was one of the most giving and caring people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I will miss her greatly and remember her always. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this time.
Cindy Kubasiak
September 22, 2006
Carol & Glen- I'm so very sorry for your loss. Both you and Karen are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marion Lowe Breen
September 22, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with Karen's family. Her warm and genuine personality will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed meeting her out and about town. Please know that we are all thinking about you at this time.
Nita (Doty) Teague
September 22, 2006
Karen's classmates offer our sincere sympathy to the family. Her bubbly personality will be missed.
1997 Sister's Cruise - forever in our hearts
September 21, 2006
Swanee's ability to to make us laugh and enjoy life was our greatest gift.
September 21, 2006
Sherri O'Donnell
September 21, 2006
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you through this difficult time.
ROGER VANDEBURG
September 21, 2006
Sorry to hear of your loss. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Roger & Jane Vandeburg
Dorothy Carlson
September 21, 2006
My sincere sympathy goes out to Fred and all of your family. Karen was a vibrant gal with a zest for life and just illuminated all the time. I graduated with Darlene, but also remember some fun times with Karen. She had the super personality of her mom. What an honor to have known her! My sincere sympathy goes out to you!
Sherry Sandwick
September 21, 2006
Karen is with her Mom,now, and you know she is directing us to the next sale! My heart and thoughts are with you, Fred and Carol and family. God Bless you.
Love you,
Sherry
Eric and Stephanie Koebele
September 21, 2006
May warm thoughts of Karen ease your sadness and comfort your hearts. Karen was truly a wonderful and caring person. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her in such a special way she will never be forgotten.
Elaine & Ed Rosado
September 21, 2006
Happy-go-lucky Karen. We will miss you.
Donna Freise
September 21, 2006
I'll always remember Karen's smile and laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
John & Brenda Hoffman
September 21, 2006
So very sorry for your loss. We could always count on Karen for a smile and a wonderful laugh. We will miss her.
Nona DuBois-Forster Class of 1980
September 21, 2006
Thoughts and Prayers.
Janaan Elliott
September 21, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Gene Behler
September 21, 2006
While I did not know Karen, I knew her late mother Darlene. We were classmates at Sycamore High School. I am sure Karen will be greatly missed by friends and family.
Donna Dobson-Freise
September 21, 2006
I will also remeber Karen's smile and laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bert & Karen Huftalin & Family
September 21, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
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