Karen Otto Gallagher Cole

Karen Louise Mary Gallagher Cole (nee Otto), 79, of Bellevue, Illinois, passed away March 10, 2023, at UnityPoint Health Methodist Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born July 17, 1943, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Harvey John Otto and Mary Louise Otto (nee Nugent).

She graduated from Wausau High School in 1961. She attended the University of Wisconsin and Illinois Central College. She worked at Sears Credit Central, Norwest Bank, and was co-owner of the Cole Mine, where she was affectionately known as Momma C, until her retirement.

She was a member of the Moose Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the American Legion.

Karen married Donald E. Gallagher on November 9, 1963, until his passing on May 25th, 1990. She is survived by their daughters, Cheryl L. Miller, of Bartonville, and Kelley A. Pearson (Jim) Lavery, of Long Beach, California; grandchildren, Ryan Pearson (Corey Spatafore), Kayla (Rafael) Martinez, and Cole Gallagher; and great-grandchildren, Rex and Jay Nieukirk and Charlotte and Liam Martinez.

She later married William O. Cole, Sr. on May 28, 1994. He survives along with his children, Billy Cole, of Pekin, Edward (Anita) Cole, of Metamora, Brian Cole (Rose), of Peoria, Angelic Cole, of Ridge Farm, Illinois, and Molly Cole, of Tampa Bay, Florida; grandchildren, Jessica Fiddes, Matthew (Dianna) Cole, and Trent (Jessica) Giosta; and great-grandchildren, EmmaLeigh Ross, McKenzie and Cooper Fiddes, Maddie and Alex Cole, and Kolton and Luke Giosta.

Karen is also survived by her lifelong friend that she always considered a sister, Sandra (Ron) Borth of Scandinavia, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Wayne K. “Gus” (Nancy) Otto.

Karen enjoyed participating in bowling, dart, and shuffleboard leagues. Growing up in Wisconsin, she became an avid Green Bay Packers fan at an early age. Living in a divided household (Bears/Packers), Sundays could become very loud with cheering and jeering. Karen was kind, loving, and supportive to everyone and made everyone who met her feel like family. She had a gift for seeing the best in people. She was always happy, and her smile and energy lit up the room. Her greatest joy was her family. She spent her time going to sporting events, plays, scholastic bowls, concerts, musicals, spelling bees, anywhere she could spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was very passionate about her beliefs. She loved crocheting blankets for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and hosting holiday celebrations in her home. She enjoyed playing bingo at the local bingo hall, going shopping, and eating at her favorite restaurants. She was the best wife, Mom, Gma, Nana, and Aunt and was truly the backbone of her family. She also had many beloved pets over the years, including Cassie, Tigress, Baxter, and Cali. No heart was bigger than hers.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a later date. Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Post-Polio Health International or American Heart Association.

Family and friends are encouraged to log on to www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com