Karen E Larson

Karen Eileen Larson, age 84, passed peacefully into our Lord's arms on Sunday December 28, 2025. Karen was born September 26, 1941 in Rochelle, IL the daughter of Helen and Walter Larson.

Karen, a proud Mounder, graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1959. She received her Bachelors degree in business education from Eastern Illinois University. She taught business education in Tinley Park IL. Karen then received her Masters degree from Indiana University in Recreational Studies. She then continued as a High School teacher in Niantic, IL and as a professional Girl Scout. Karen received her advance degree in Counseling and Social Work from the University of Illinois. She completed her work life teaching at Richland Community College.

Karen dedicated her life to family, church, friends, community, and country.

Karen was a foster mom to numerous children and adopted her daughter Angel to whom she was devoted to. Her love and support to her parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends was endless.

Karen loved, supported and trusted her God and her church. She was an active

member of Grace Methodist Church of Decatur IL. Through church she went on several mission trips including a few to Haiti. Her community of Decatur was important to her as she served on many boards. She was a board member and broke ground for the Crossing Healthcare which provides access to healthcare for low income residents of Decatur. Her loyalty and support of our country, military and veterans was important to her.

Karen loved and enjoyed life. Spending time with family and friends brought her such joy. Her go to places were WaHeLa (the family cottage in Wisconsin, Turkey Run in Indiana, and of course Disney World! She loved swimming, canoeing, and waterskiing. She enjoyed playing cards, tile rummy, dominoes and puzzles. She traveled to Alaska, the Panama Canal, Denmark, Austria and Germany to name a few. She participated in several Elder Hostiles in the midwest.

Karen is survived by her daughter Angel, brother Brad (Jenny)Larson, and sister Margie Harris.

Also surviving are nieces and nephews Julie, Rob (Lori), Tod (Deanna), Stephanie (Steve), Lara (Pete), Kristin (Jeff), and Justin (Lisa. Numerous great nieces and nephews, special friend Sue Tryba also survive.

Dearest friends surviving include Alice States, Betty Thorp and Judy Lyons.

Preceding Karen in death were her parents Helen and Walt Larson, her brother Chuck Larson and his wife Barbara, her brother-in-law John Harris, and special friends Ann Lippincott and Larry States.

Services will be at the Disciples United Methodist Church 102 Maple Ave Mt Morris IL on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 11:00 with visitation prior at 10:00. Karen will be laid to rest at Silver Creek Cemetery following the service.

A celebration of life will be held in Decatur IL at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to Margie Harris, 3665 Fenceline Rd. Franksville, WI 53126 for a fitting memorial to be set up in Karen's name.

"Grief is the reminder that love was present, and that even if it's no longer in its original form, that love still exists." Michelle Maroc