Karen Ann Fester

Karen Ann Fester (Schultz) was born on December 13, 1940, in Durand, Wisconsin to

Andrew and Evelyn Schultz. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Phillip Fester Jr., and their three children: Daniel (Lyda) Fester, Deborah (James) Rogers, and Laura (Brian) Scharles.

Karen was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren: Heather Bauman, Stephanie

(Joshua) Ainslie, Meghan (Patrick) Reget, Samantha (Greg) Billetdeaux, Kimberleigh (Kevin) Sharp, Rachael (Thomas) Kral, and Brian (Heather) Scharles, Jr. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Sofia, Mila, Laceigh, Skylar, Brody, Gwendoline, Daisy, Leo, and Magnus.

She is survived by her siblings: Kathy Schultz, Nancy Schultz, Michael Schultz, Gene

Schultz, and Diane Schultz. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and

Evelyn Schultz (née Bautch), and her siblings: Darlene Young, Richard Schultz, David

Schultz, Robert Schultz, Sandra Schultz, Kenneth Schultz, Sherry Kessner, Ronald Schultz and Penny Schultz.

Karen earned her nursing degree from the College of DuPage in 1974 and dedicated much

of her career to Central DuPage Hospital, working on the Medical/Surgical floor. Through

her hard work and compassion, she eventually became the head nurse of the floor.

Karen found true happiness in tending to her gardens, where she spent countless hours

nurturing her plants & flowers. She also had a special place in her heart for her beloved

golden retrievers-Alfie, Eden, Kitty, Chester, and Ella-whom she cared for with great love and devotion. Karen's love for her family extended into the kitchen, where she delighted in cooking and baking for her family and loved ones.

Karen was known for her exceptional creativity through her passion for quilting. She took

great joy in designing and crafting beautiful quilts, each one a reflection of her artistic spirit

and dedication. These quilts were much more than just handmade items-they became

treasured gifts that she lovingly shared with family and friends. Through her generous heart, Karen's quilts created lasting memories and became cherished keepsakes, ensuring her warmth and creativity would be remembered for generations to come.

Karen especially treasured her travels to Hawaii and Las Vegas, where she created

countless joyful memories with her family. These trips were a source of great happiness for

Karen, offering special moments that brought her loved ones even closer together.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Karen's memory will live on in our hearts forever, providing comfort as we remember the love and joy she shared with

everyone. We take solace in knowing that she is now at peace and has been reunited with

those loved ones who passed before her.

A visitation for Karen will be held at DuPage Funeral Chapel (951 W. Washington Street, West Chicago) on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4-8 PM. Friends and family to gather at the funeral home on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 9:30 AM and process to St. Mary Catholic Church for mass at 11 AM. Interment Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton. The visitation will be live streamed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5415761/b14675f9a9

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the As Good as Gold – Golden Retriever

Rescue of Illinois at 518 S. Route 31 Suite 178 McHenry, IL 60050 or asgoodasgold.org.