Karen Marie Hey

1953 - 2023

Karen Marie Hey
Born: January 24, 1953 in Oak Park, IL
Died: December 25, 2023 in Dixon, IL
Karen Marie (Melwid) Hey, was born in Oak Park, IL, on January 24, 1953, and moved to Bloomington, IN, at the age of 8. Karen graduated from University High School in Bloomington and then attended Indiana University, where she studied journalism. Karen was the social chairman of Alpha Phi Sorority and met her future husband, Marty, as he was the social chairman of his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. Karen and Marty married in Bloomington and moved to Grand Detour, where they have lived since 1975.
Karen was called home to the Lord in her home on Christmas evening with her loved ones. Karen is survived by her husband, Marty; their children, Marty (Melanie) Hey II, of Hoffman Estates, Matthew (Andrea) Hey, of Dixon, Karey (Jason) Kastner, of Dixon, and Justin Hey, also of Dixon; her grandchildren, Marty III, Tristan, Brandon (Allie), Cole (Julie), Austin, Hailey, Jayce, Gunner, Autumn and Camden; as well as one great-grandchild, Marley.
Karen's serene presence and strength derived from her love and devotion to our Lord and Savior. She was an active member of Bethel Church and a member of the church prayer group. Karen had several jobs throughout her life including writing articles for National Bus Trader magazine and the Dixon Evening Telegraph, working for "Hey Brothers Ice Cream" and spending 23 years as an aide at Reagan Middle School. Her favorite and most important role was to care for her children growing up and more recently, her grandchildren, as she often did. Karen enjoyed family trips to Tennessee, attending countless wrestling meets, feeding and watching the birds, her many golden retrievers over the years, and was an avid football fan. She particularly enjoyed her coffee group and the friendships she's held for many years. Karen's eternal and unconditional love of her family was unparalleled and will be deeply missed.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Bethel Church, 131 N. Court St., in Dixon. A Visitation will be held the following day from 10:00 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Bethel Church, in Dixon, with Pastor Ron West, officiating. Burial will be to follow at Grand Detour Cemetery, in Grand Detour.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.