Karen J. Larson, nee Howell, 53, of Lebanon, IL, born Wednesday, July 19, 1967; in Belleville, IL, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021; at her residence in Lebanon, IL.
Karen was the office administrator for the provost at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL.
Our light went out this weekend. Karen went to sleep on early in the AM on Saturday and didn’t wake up. Count yourself blessed if you we’re able to be in her circle for even a little bit. She made everything she touched better than when she found it. She made the difficult seem easy and there wasn’t a task she could take on that she didn’t completely crush.
She aged backwards and somehow became more beautiful inside and out each and every day. The only club of which she was a member was a super-duper secret group of celebs, athletes, billionaires, and 2 member of the Beatles that are supposedly dead but clearly are NOT. It’s like Fight Club except there’s no fighting, the age reversal lotion applied by Chris Hemsworth look-alikes and they have great snacks. I’m only aware it exists because she would need me to pick her up after the meetings at the Golden Corral in O’Fallon.
She loved SO hard, so very, very hard. There was no one better at love. Please treasure the memories that you have of and with her. They are priceless….
She was preceded in death by her:
- Parents: Charles and Joan F., nee Hassard, Howell
Surviving are her:
- Husband: Christopher P. Larson of Lebanon, IL
- Children:
- Taylor (Melody) Larson of San Diego, CA
- Austin Viner of Belleville, IL
- Dylan Larson of Belleville, IL
- Brothers:
- Kristopher (Kelly) Howell of Millstadt, IL
- Keith (Valerie) Howell of Columbia, IL
- Sister: Kim Howell of Belleville, IL
- Dear Nieces, Nephews and Cousins
- Grandchildren:
- Aria Larson
- Lyric Larson
- Nova Larson
- Mother and Father-in-law: David and Kaethe Larson of Jasper, IN
- Brothers-in-law:
- Mike and Jamie Larson of New Orleans, LA
- Matt Larson of Jasper, IN
- Eric (Jaime) Larson of Huntingburg, IN
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Donors Choice.
Visitation: Gathering will be held at 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. Private family interment.
18 Comments To "Karen J. Larson"
#1 Comment By Jeanine Bulber On April 5, 2021 @ 3:55 pm
Karen, I was so very fortunate to get to know you through our son’s baseball teams. You brought the sunshine with you to every game. You genuinely touched me with your kindness and support of ALL the boys on the team. And your sense of humor inspired me. Fly high sweet angel! You truly were one of a kind.
#2 Comment By Ayanna Holmes On April 5, 2021 @ 3:56 pm
I am so sad to hear of Karen’s passing. She was so full of life from the day I met her. She always had a smile even when she was fussing. She accepted everyone with open arms. It was such a pleasure knowing her my heart broke into pieces when I heard the news. God has a beautiful angel by his side. She will be truly missed.
My deepest condolences are sent to her husband Chris and children. My son Avery is close to her son Dylan they graduated & played baseball together. I will keep you all in my prayers. If you all need anything please contact me.
#3 Comment By Donna and Bob Watermon On April 5, 2021 @ 4:08 pm
So sorry I didn’t get to know my cousin. From everything I hear and have heard she was a wonderful young woman. Such a shame that good people die young. I know she will be missed by many. Many prayers to the family.
#4 Comment By Rita On May 5, 2021 @ 11:43 pm
Thank you for always listening.
#5 Comment By Madonna Watermon On April 5, 2021 @ 4:12 pm
So sorry that I didn’t get to know my cousin. From everything I have heard and everything that I hear she was a wonder young woman. to bad the good die young. I am sure she will be missed by many. My prayers go to the family at the time of their loss
#6 Comment By Tami Eggleston On April 5, 2021 @ 4:49 pm
Karen was just the best. She started working at McKendree University almost five years ago and she made every day better. She made her mark at McKendree and I will miss her so much. Her family are in my thoughts and prayers.
#7 Comment By Mindi L Brenner On April 5, 2021 @ 4:53 pm
She was always a source of unconditional love, lots of laughs and giggles, and silliness. I loved spending time with her and your family. Besides you, she was someone I could really be me. Not pretentious, just pure joy, honesty and non-judgmental. She always had my back and was ready to fight anyone who would try to take advantage of me or of who I was. I was so sad when you moved back to IL after being in Reno. My love and thoughts with the family.
#8 Comment By Brent W. Reeves On April 5, 2021 @ 5:06 pm
What a loss for us all! She will be missed greatly! Karen would ALWAYS make me smile or a full out laugh! I really enjoyed being in her presence. May God welcome His newest Angel!
#9 Comment By Joe Hitchcock On April 5, 2021 @ 6:34 pm
Truly a vessel of love and joy. A beautiful soul. I’ll miss you, we all already do. I know you’ll be watching down on us at the pool and the wedding. Your love remains. You were amazing.
#10 Comment By Michael Sargent On April 5, 2021 @ 7:52 pm
I will miss Karen dearly , when I had Covid her and Chris checked on me every day, she would message me every day to make sure I was eating, making sure I stayed hydrated, I always just said yes ma’am, I’m heart broken she is gone , I can repay her in a small way by checking on Chris . RIP Karen you will be missed
#11 Comment By Ruth Blue On April 5, 2021 @ 8:40 pm
I worked with Karen at UPS. She was always there to help me out with a problem or concern whether it was her job or not. I was so sad when she moved away, but then her and Chris moved back. I got to see her again occasionally, but not often enough.
Karen was such a kindhearted person. Chris, I hope the memories of Karen help you and your family through this difficult time
#12 Comment By Susan Baker On April 6, 2021 @ 6:59 am
Kim and Family.
Griff and I are so sorry for your loss. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.. lots of love.
#13 Comment By Joseph Hitchcock On April 6, 2021 @ 11:09 am
She was truly a beacon love love and joy. A special spirit with amazing energy. I know you’ll be with us during the wedding and all summer at the pool 🙂 I miss you, we all do. Thanks for being amazing. Your energy and spirit will continue to be with us all. Until next time….
#14 Comment By Patti Daniels On April 7, 2021 @ 7:42 am
Chris and family,
Deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Karen. I was blessed to get to know her and work with her at McKendree University. Her kindness and goodness will live on in all our hearts. God Bless!
#15 Comment By Brenda Luffman On April 7, 2021 @ 1:00 pm
Chris I am so very sorry for your loss-love to you always my friend .
#16 Comment By James Price On April 7, 2021 @ 2:08 pm
Laughter, compassion, and joy are just a few characteristics that became very apparent in our brief friendship. Her adventurous spirit propelled her soul and her smile illuminated any room. I am heartbroken for you Chris and the entire family over this brief separation and comforted by the reunion we will have one day. Until then, our interactions with Karen will be memorialized in our hearts.
#17 Comment By Theresa A. Komes On April 7, 2021 @ 8:04 pm
I am so sorry that I never got to meet Karen personally. I know Chris through his cousin Audra. I live here, in Lebanon, it sounds like our community, will be less bright without Karen, in it. I will keep Chris, and All of her loved ones in My Prayers.
#18 Comment By Terese Kasson On April 10, 2021 @ 12:38 pm
So sorry for your loss. Karen will be missed as she wad a loved member of the McKendree family. We will keep her and your family in our prayers.