Karen I. Taylor

Karen Taylor, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, departed her earthly home to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 11, 2024.  She was born April 26, 1940 in Rockford, IL, to Leif and Irene Gulbrantson.  She married the love of her life, Bob Taylor on November 20, 1955.  Karen and Bob retired to Wappapello, MO in 1994.  They lived their dream in the woods until 2018 when they returned to Rockford, IL to be closer to their children.  

A faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, her friends, and her church, Karen took great pleasure in mentoring young Christians.  She created memories with many people such as teaching Sunday School, camping trips, ear piercing (if you know, you know), tea parties with her grandchildren, and sharing her love of the Lord with others.

Survivors include her husband, Bob; children, Carey Thorn, Rob (Kathi) Taylor, and Kelly (Steve) Kleczewski; grandchildren, Jeremy (Erin) Taylor, Melissa Tidwell, Daniel (Rachel) Stewart, Shanna Taylor, MariJo Thorn, Michael (Robin) Angelico, Kayla Weckstrom, Jennifer (Trent) Mielke, Jenyl (Eli) Carmean, Bill (Rachel) Lorscheider, Krystin (Anthony) Cooper, and Justin (Kaitlin) Jones; great-grandchildren, TJ, Alanna, Audrey, Jorden, Kelseigh, Hayden, Auren, Knox, Lincoln, Jack, Hannah, Halyn, Hadley, Leila, and Wesley.  Numerous nieces, nephews, and was a friend to many.  Predeceased by her daughter, Bobbi Jo Roseland; her parents; and siblings, Janice Shattuck, Don Gulbrantson, and Joyce Altendorf.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held at Redeemed Life Church, 8501 Forest Hills Rd. in Loves Park, IL on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Rev. Ross Miley will be officiating.  Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by knowing Karen are invited to join in honoring her memory.

Because of her love for missions, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Renewal Ministries of Zimbabwe, South Africa www.renewalmin.org, or Crossroads Ministries of Poplar Bluff, MO www.crossroadsget.help/donate.

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