Ms. Johnson is survived by one daughter Tina (Brad) Dart of Springfield, Illinois, one son Erick Johnson of San Francisco, California, seven grandchildren: Ashley Dorr (Ryan), Springfield Illinois, Carter Dart (Kayla), Virden, Illinois, Karenna Dart, Springfield, Illinois, Carson Dart, Virden, Illinois, Emma Dart, Springfield, Illinois, Joseph Campion, Rohnert Park, California, Hannah Campion, Rohnert Park, California, three great-grandchildren: Easton, Peyton & Cameron Dorr, one sister Debra Halberg (Lee), Glen Ellyn, Illinois and her honorary son Giorgio Pradelli, Zurich, Switzerland.
Karen worked as a Registered Nurse at St John’s Hospital & Doctors Hospital and was the Director of Nursing at two different nursing homes. She developed the curriculum for the CNA program at Lincoln Land Community College, and also taught the program as well. Karen later worked at Midwest Technical Institute as a CNA instructor.
Karen loved to spend time with her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to travel, host holiday family parties, spend time outside in the Summer swimming and taking care of her many beautiful flowers. Karen collected cardinals because they provided her with loving memories of her mother. She loved animals, and her dogs were cherished companions throughout her life.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday September 9, 2025 at Calvary Church, 1730 West Jefferson Street in Springfield. A graveside service will be held at 12:00pm on Tuesday at Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg following the church service. The family will greet friends from 4:30pm until 6:30pm on Monday September 8, 2025 at Calvary Church on West Jefferson Street. Memorial contributions may be made to Capital Retirement Village in care of Calvary Church.
