Karen Sue Kellerman

KAREN SUE KELLERMAN , 85, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 2:35 am, Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Garden Place in Waterloo, Illinois.

She was born to the late Robert E. and Fern C. (nee Copelin) Berry on August 4, 1938 in Xenia Illinois.

Karen married her beloved “June”, Harold F. Kellerman, Jr. on October 13, 1956 at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois; he preceded her in death on November 22, 2018.

Karen had a deep love for her family. Her mother was her very best friend. Together they took her four children on road trips all over the country when they were little. After they were raised she continued to spread love to children by working at both Union & Washington schools in Belleville, Illinois. When she and June retired, they continued their love of traveling. Hawaii and Alaska were their absolute favorite places to visit.

Karen was one of a kind. She didn’t know a stranger. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and always had a story to tell. She got a kick out of being ornery and she was always laughing. Even after dementia set in, little pieces of Karen would always shine through.

She loved sitting on her porch swing, admiring her flowers and the hummingbirds who always seemed to find her wherever she went. There was always a puzzle scattered on the dining room table, a deck of cards close by, and the Hallmark Channel playing in the background.

Although Karen was a wonderful daughter, a loving wife, and a giving mother; she was the epitome of an incredible grandmother. You never left Grandma’s house hungry or empty-handed. Goodbyes took every bit of two hours and she would not only follow you all the way out to your car but she would be sure to not stop waving until you were no longer in sight. She didn’t just tell you that she loved you, she showed you by her actions. Because of her, all her grandchildren have a shared love of Cardinal’s baseball, Mexican restaurants, and family recipes passed down from generation to generation.

She will be missed immensely but we are at peace knowing she is reunited with her parents, June and her son Bradley who left this Earth far too soon.

Left to cherish her memory are:

3 Children:

Debbie (William) Potter Knoxville, TN

Harold (Julie) Kellerman III Ellisville, MO

Lynn Kellerman Marissa, IL

1 Daughter-in-law:

Missy (Matt) Stines Red Bud, IL

1 Sister:

Joan Brainerd

8 Grandchildren:

Brian Potter, Brittney Potter, Sarah Roscow, Zachary (Nicole) Kellerman-Stines, Caleb (Brittney) Kellerman-Stines, Megan (Craig) Crafton,           Emma Krueger, and Rachel (Zac) Rieke

16 Great Grandchildren:

Luke, Logan, Liam, Frankie, and Landon Roscow; Carver, Beau, and Blayne Kellerman-Stines;Cali & Paxton Hoffman and Ezrah & Darci               Stines; Hadalee Crafton; Riley Braun; and Wyatt & Haylie Rieke

Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends, and special caretakers at the Garden Place

Preceded in death by: Parents, Husband, 1 Son – Bradley Kellerman, 1 Brother – Robert Berry, and 1 Sister – Naomi Krypciak

Funeral Service:

1:00 pm, Sunday, April 21, 2024

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois

Interment:

St. Marcus Cemetery

Red Bud, Illinois

Visitation:

Sunday – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois

In lieu of flowers, take someone you love on a breakfast date. Order a waffle with strawberries and whipped cream. That would make Miss Karen’s heart happy. Monetary Donation can also be made to Garden Place.