Karen Nelson Obituary

Karen Elaine Nelson
Died: May 20, 2025 in LaGrange, IL
Karen Elaine Nelson, age 71 of La Grange, IL, passed away peacefully at home on May 20th, 2025. Beloved wife of Kurt Nelson; loving mother of Matthew (Mariana) Nelson of Crown Point, IN and Paul (Ashley) Nelson of Libertyville, IL. She was a proud "Nonnie" to grandchildren Dayana and Matthew Jr., Leila, Lola and Logan. Karen obtained a Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University Northwest of Hammond, IN. While earning her degree at Purdue she was working at Burger King in Munster, IN. It was there that Karen and Kurt first met. After their wedding on April 15th, 1977, Karen accepted several managerial positions within the Burger King organization and they eventually made their home in La Grange. She also worked several years for Iroquois Popcorn Company, Factory Card Outlet Athena Industries and Sam's Club. She also had a vital role in helping Kurt to build their small independent insurance agency. In the fall of 2010 she learned that she had metastatic breast cancer. After an eight year remission the disease returned in 2019 in her stomach. After various treatments the disease subsided until last summer when it was learned that it had affected the pleura (covering) of her right lung. After a final attempt at medication therapy, Jesus came to take her home. Karen had a strong faith in God and Jesus, and loved serving her church over the years. She and Kurt were both involved in marriage related Bible studies and BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). She set the best example for her own boys by teaching them to be dedicated spouses and parents. Karen was always there for her family. Karen and Kurt also loved to travel across the United States, Mexico the Caribbean and Europe. They also made frequent trips to Arizona to visit relatives and friends. During the summer months they enjoyed spending several weeks of time at their family cottage on Lake Mary in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There will be a visitation at Christ Church of Oak Brook, Oak Brook, IL on Saturday, May 31st from 10:00AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500 or hjfunerals.com