Karen Stephens, a resident of Lake County for 37 years, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 9, 1946 in Chicago to Elmer and Marjorie (nee Jones) Kranz.

She was very involved with church where she sang in the choir. She maintained the beauty of the church with her love of interior decorating. She was a caregiver for her parents as well as for children. She loved to travel and be with her family. She was a very nurturing and loving person.
Karen will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Chris, with whom she was united in marriage on June 9, 1968 and renewed their vows this past June; her dear children, Jon (Robin) and Nancie Stephens; her grandchildren, Jaynell, Jaidyn and Alexandria Stephens; her siblings, Terry (Louise), Jack (Cindie) Kranz and Nancy (the late Richard) Nava. Many other loving relatives and friends also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 6, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the K. K. Hamsher Funeral Home, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd. Fox Lake and resume on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. funeral service at Lutheran Church of All Saints, 5800 State Park Rd., Fox Lake, IL 60020. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park, Libertyville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Karen's name can be made to Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025.