Karen Rose Williams

1944 - 2025

Karen Rose Williams
Born: June 20, 1944 in LaSalle, IL.
Died: August 26, 2025 in Utica, IL.
Karen Rose Williams, 81 of Utica, with her loving family gathered at her side passed away August 26, at home peacefully. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 30th at 11AM at St. Mary's Church in Utica. The Very Reverend Paul Carlson, Pastor of Holy Family Parish will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Utica. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 9:30 until the time of mass. Karen was born on June 20, 1944, in LaSalle to Dominic "Old Pro" and Beverly (Meyers) Culjan. She married the love of her life and best friend, Wayne Williams on November 10, 1962 at St. Mary's Church in Utica. She was employed over the years at the Starved Rock Lodge and Joy & Ed's, both in Utica as a waitress. Over time, she was employed by Bridgman Casting in Bridgman, MI, and D&W Grocery as a manager in Stevensville, MI. Her most gratifying job and the one she cherished was being a wife, mother, Nana, and sister to her family. Spending time with family and friends was dear to her heart. She was a member to St. Mary's Church in Utica. She belonged to the Red Hats Society. For over ten years she was on the Utica Library Board. She was a leader in the Boys and Girl Scouts of America. Her quiet time was spent making and eating dark chocolate, sewing, creating clothes, reading, traveling whenever possible, and occasionally gambling. She is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, one son, David Williams of Baroda, MI., three daughters; Mary Kaye (Keith) Williams Smith of Sioux Falls, SD., Penny (Thomas) Iott of Normal, IL., and Gale Bartalone, of Osceola, IN. Grandchildren: Roechelle Williams, Olivia Smith, Jacob Williams, Sydney Zuver, Claire and Paige Iott, and Cody and Kyle Bartalone. One great-grandson. Many nieces and nephews. Two brothers; Robert Culjan, and Darrell "Buster" Culjan. One sister; Vickie Culjan. She is preceded in death by her parents, of whom she was their caregiver, one brother, Dominic "Big Knobs" Culjan, and one sister, Debbie Culjan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for her favorite charities. On line condolences maybe expressed at www.burgessfh.com