Karleen Larson

Karleen A. Larson, 78 of Alpha, IL died Wednesday May 2, 2018 at home. Services are 2:30 PM Saturday May 5, 2018 at Peterson Wallin Knox Funeral Home in Woodhull. Burial is in the Woodhull Cemetery. Visitation is 1:00 PM until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home where memorials may be left to Blackhawk Area Education Center. Online condolences can be made at www.petersonwallinknox.com.

She was born December 23, 1939 in Galesburg, IL to Chester and Elizabeth Shefsky Larson. She graduated from AlWood High School. Karleen attended Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg where she received her nurse’s degree in 1985.

Karleen was employed in the mental healthcare industry. She worked at the Galesburg Research Hospital and the Zeller Mental Health Center in Peoria, retiring in 2000.

She was a foster parent to over 25 children for 38 years.

She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Woodhull. Karleen enjoyed quilting and being on the farm with the animals.

Survivors include one daughter: Ann Larson of Alpha; one adopted daughter: Jocelyn Larson at home; one sister: Shirley (Mohammad) Akrabawi of DeKalb, IL; two nieces and one nephew.

Her parents; one daughter: McKenzie and one foster child: Sherrita Bird preceded her in death.