She was born in Quincy, Illinois to Lewis “Lee” and Norma (Herrick) Lake, and grew up in Palmyra, Missouri.
Karen is survived by her sons, Michael (Nicole) Hudelson and Dustin (Angie) Hudelson; five grandchildren, Ethan, Isaac, Matthew, Adeline and Emily; sister, Barb Webb; nephews, Jansen, Mark and Charlie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Norma.
In her youth, Karen was a standout athlete on the pitcher’s mound. She played softball with determination for both her high school and junior college teams.
A lifelong lover of drawing, she found happiness through her artwork.
She enjoyed spending time with family and attending her grandchildren’s events.
She was a member of the Dayspring Native American Church in East Peoria, where she received the ceremonial name "Hidden Fawn."
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woolsey Wilton Funeral Home, Peoria. Cremation rites will then be accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Karen’s name to the Dayspring Native American United Methodist Church, 201 N. Norwood, East Peoria, Illinois 61611.
