Karen Elaine Nelson
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
Additional Information: 708-352-6500
Karen was such a wonderful human being.She always had such kinds words to say to myself,my family. I’ve known Karen sense I was 11 years old.
We talked over the years several times. I seen Karen,Kurt at family weddings.
I enjoyed our conversations. She was always such an upbeat kind lady. My heart goes out to your family… R I.P. Karen Nelson. You’re gone but never forgotten beautiful lady inside,out. Marcine Barnes ❤️
Donald Barnes Sr. and I met Kurt Nelson, Who turned out to be our Insurance Agent and Friend😊
We met Karen in time and We were Friends.
Our Boys are 11 months apart. We exchanged babysat. This way the Boys had fun and We could have a night as a romantic Couple.
I was their Babysitter when Karen would work full time.
On Fridays We would spend 6 to 8 hours running errands and go out for lunch.
We would go to Burger King and the Ladies working thought I had two sets of Twins and would would bring out our food.
Karen was an awesome Cook. I remember one time I was sick and Karen made this rice and chicken casserole.
Don always labeled Karen the innocent One.
Karen was a sweet Person, full of positivity, and a Lady of wisdom. Karen was a funny Person too.
Karen and I worked at Mc Cormick Place for Yogurt and Goodies. We sold frozen Yogurt and fudge cones.
Truly good times and We were able to buy stuff off the showroom floor and the Lord knows We bought many designer stuff for the home.
Kurt and I had fun taking our Sons to the World of Wheels Car Show.
Both Kurt and Karen were true Friends and full of enthusiasm and encouragement through the years.
I love Both of You…..
Thank You Kurt and Karen Nelson on this emission and accomplishment in Life.
I am truly sorry for the loss of a Wife, Mom, Grandma, and a good Friend.
Rest In Peace Karen❤️🩹👼🫂🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You will always loved and never forgotten ❤️🩹☀️👼☔️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Love,
Joan Carol Barnes
Six Mike
Karen was here on earth a woman who strived for excellence in what she did. My husband (Phil who passed into glory February, 2020) and I met Kurt and Karen through a marriage ministry that we had helped lead several years ago. What a dynamic couple that eagerly assisted in however they could to relate God’s Plan for marriage! For as much as I will miss her smile, conversations and texts here on earth, I am overjoyed in knowing she is face to face with JESUS and no longer in the pain and struggles she had during her cancer season of life on this earth. Well done and faithful servant my friend!
Karen with Phil in my heart!
Karen will be missed, loved to go to her house and play games and have dinner, we will see her again in Heaven,love and miss you,our deepest prayers to Kurt and all your family.
In Christian Love
Tom and judy tangney
My family and I met Karen over twenty years ago. Such a beautiful person. Our deepest condolences to the family.
🙏🏽❤️
Karen was a beautiful ,courageous and exceptional woman dedicated to her wonderful family. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones and friends. My most deepest and sincere condolences go to Kurt and his family.
Kurt, over the years we have become more than business associates, we’re FAMILY! Michelle and I are heartbroken for your loss and we always hold you near and dear to or heart! Karen was an amazing lady who loved her family and was dedicated to helping others. God bless you all, you’re always in our prayers!
Kurt and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will really miss Karen at the lake. We know how much she loved having the kids and grandkids there and your evening boat rides. Hopefully soon your sorrow will be replaced by all the wonderful memories she left you with. The Lord has brought her home so that you now have your own special angel watching over all of you. Love and prayers. God Bless.
Bill and Carol Kovach and Family
During my last visit with my sister-friend in Christ, on May 6th, Karen and I recalled with grateful praise that God brought us together in BSF almost 20 years ago. We worshipped God in spirit and truth 🙏🏾 🙌🏿 Karen’s love for God was demonstrated in her life, words, deeds, faith, and Love for her ❤️ family. We sang To God be the Glory
read Rev. 22: 12-14, 21.