December 11, 2024
Karen Lucille Hollembeak was born in Rockford, Illinois on May 11, 1943 to Kenneth and Grace White. She grew up on a farm with her two younger brothers, Denny and Ron. One of her favorite things as a little girl was listening to the Children’s Bible Hour on Moody radio. At age 5 she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior with her mother by her side.
Karen graduated from Belvidere High School in Illinois in 1961 and worked as a secretary for Shappert Engineering Co. She met and dated Roger Hollembeak in school and they married on September 30, 1961. She had three children, Christine Ann, Cathleen Lynn and one that died in her womb. She was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker, as well as a secretary and pianist for Calvary – Faith Baptist Church for many years and even after retirement. She loved and enjoyed her family, friends, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her favorite activities include playing the piano, mini putt putt golf, bowling, getting together with family and life long friends, playing scrabble and card games, working puzzles, going to church, reading Christian books and the Bible.
Karen dedicated her life to the Lord. She lived, walked and breathed her Christian testimony each and everyday. Her daughter Cathy often said she felt that her mom was so pure that she seemed angelic here on earth. She never faltered in her faith, always being a Godly example staying steadfast in her convictions. Her rewards will be great in Heaven.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Kenneth and Grace White, husband; Roger Hollembeak and daughter; Christine Brown.
Karen went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 5:56 am when she passed from heart complications.
Visitation with the Hollembeak family will be on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home from 11:00 am until the memorial service at 1:00 pm. Pastor Tom Fittis will officiate.
Survivors include her daughter; Cathleen (Travis) Williams, 6 grandchildren; Zachary Hanson, Erin (Prentice) Reynolds, Lydia (Matthew) Johnson, Vincent (Lisa) Castillo, Savanah White, Rachel White, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers; Denny (Nancy) White and Ron (Jan) White.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.