Karin Penzek

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Karin Penzek, age 83, of Argyle, Texas. Karin passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, due to heart disease. She was born on September 22, 1942, in Berlin, Germany, and came to the United States as a young child to live with her eldest sister, Erna, and brother in law, Bill Keller, in Bensenville, Illinois.

Karin devoted her life to her family and friends, offering unwavering guidance, support, and a listening ear to all who needed it. She spent most of her career working in hospital settings as an insurance biller, where she formed many cherished friendships over the years. Her greatest joy came from being a mother, a loyal friend, a gardener, a knitter, and an enthusiastic traveler. She especially loved the many trips she took with her son Michael, who worked as a travel agent. Time with loved ones—chatting, playing cards, and enjoying a good game of Rummikub—was where she felt most at home.

Her home was a warm and welcoming place, often filled with the comforting aroma of her famous German potato salad and rouladen. A passionate gardener, Karin lovingly tended to her plants, including a treasured Christmas cactus she nurtured for more than 25 years and shared with others through its many offshoots.

Karin is survived by her daughters, Dianne and Doris; her beloved dog, Benji; best friends Evelyn Wratschko and Judy Fiene, nephew Ed Keller, niece Sue Fechtner Hoskinson (Dale), and former husband, Richard Penzek (Jadwiga); and many dear cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Erna Asmus; her son, Michael Penzek; her sisters Erna (Bill) Keller and Eleanor (Paul) Fechtner; grandma Ellen Keller; and many beloved cousins.

Karin will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, her generosity, and the deep love she held for those around her. Her presence will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the Cardiologists at Texas Health Heart and Vascular Specialists for their expertise, compassion, and dedication to Karin’s care as well as Doctor Jyothinagaram. We also appreciate the kindness of Merit Hospice in the care they provided to Karin in her final days to ensure she was comfortable.

A celebration of life will be held in Arlington Heights, IL on Saturday March 14th at Glueckert Funeral Home from 11am – 1pm.