Karen Swanson

Karen J. Swanson, 77, of Loves Park, IL, formerly of Lynn Center, IL passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2021.  Services are 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2021 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, IL.  Burial is in the Andover Cemetery.  Visitation is 4-6:00 p.m. Sunday at the church where memorials may be left to Augustana Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL or Dolan Education Center in Durand, IL. Peterson-Wallin-Knox Funeral Home in Alpha is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.petersonwallinknox.com.

She was born in June of 1943 in Geneseo, IL to David and June Hultgren Swanson.  Karen graduated from AlWood High School in 1961, Co-Salutatorian of her class and D.A.R. Award recipient. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with BS-Education in 1965 and National Louis University with ME, Keystone in Reading Strategies in 2000.

Karen had a long standing career in education; she truly was a lifelong educator and student. Learning was a passion. She taught hundreds of students, spanning preschool to high school, throughout her career. Her specialty was reading education and she found joy in her years at DEC where her skills were stretched, expanded, and valued.

She was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL; her CLC family served as a source of earnest comfort. Karen was a faithful correspondent with beautiful handwriting. She took pleasure in writing to friends, family, and grandsons every week and did her part to keep the USPS afloat. She enjoyed coloring, old movies, and reading. Always reading.

Survivors include her daughter, Kerry (David) Wilson of Plymouth, Wisconsin; son, Kyle (Marcia) Bateman of Moraine, Ohio; two grandsons:  Michael Wilson of Plymouth, Wisconsin and Miles Bateman of Moraine, Ohio; three brothers, Ronald (Shirley) Swanson of Lynn Center, Illinois, Richard (Vivienne) Swanson of Galesburg, Illinois, Gerald Swanson of Somerville, Massachusetts, one brother-in-law, Dwayne Newman of Orion, Illinois; aunt, Dorothy Hultgren of Moline, Illinois. Through Karen's many cousins, nieces, and nephews spring a cascade of family several generations deep for whom she held great pride, love, and esteem.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Barbara Newman; one nephew, Thomas Newman and one niece, Deanna Swanson.

For those mentioned here and those who were not, she cared about you. If she played cards, dominoes, or Scrabble with you, know that she loved you very much.