She was born November 23, 1947 in Belvidere to Clinton and Ethel (Ham) McKee. Karen graduated from Marengo Community High School in 1965 and then went on to receive her Associates from McHenry County College. Following school Karen went to work at Arnold Engineering, where she worked for over 40 years in various departments. Karen was a member of IAM Local Lodge 1832 and also served as their secretary and treasurer for many years. As an active member of the Marengo United Methodist Church, Karen enjoyed taking part in Bible studies. More recently she had become a volunteer for the Senior Care Network. She was also a member of the TOPS group in Marengo. In her free time Karen enjoyed sewing, quilting, and going to movies and dinner with friends.
She is survived by her sons, Grant and Wade Boxleitner; her granddaughter, Denver Boxleitner; her brother, Kenneth (Helena) McKee; her sister-in-law, Sandra McKee; her nephew, Patrick McKee and niece, Jill McKee.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Backes, and her brother, James McKee.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8pm on Thursday, August 10 at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 E. Grant Hwy., Marengo. There will be a continued visitation from 10am to the 11am funeral service on Friday, August 11 at the Marengo United Methodist Church, 119 E. Washington St., Marengo.
Memorials may be made to the Marengo United Methodist Church.
For information call the funeral home at 815-568-8131. Online condolences may be made at www.marengo-unionfuneralhome.com.
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