Karen Kathleen Krenz

Karen Kathleen Krenz was born July 5, 1941, in Bowdon, North Dakota, the fifth child of seven to Casper and Myrtle Anderson. Karen was of the Christian faith worshiping in the Lutheran Tradition. On July 13, 2015, at 1:30 a.m. she went to her heavenly home to be with the Lord and Savior.

Karen was a woman of strong character and a tender heart. She was known for her ability to listen and comfort others; serving on Stephen’s Ministry teams when able. For many years Karen battled health issues related to an extensive head injury; the result of an accident in 1983. Her final wish was to join Jesus in heaven where there is no more pain.

At four years of age, Karen’s family moved to Moorhead, Minnesota, and settled on a farm north of the Moorhead/Dilworth area. Karen attended Moorhead State College Campus School (now Minnesota State University, Moorhead) where she attended all 12 grades graduating in 1959.

While attending Moorhead State College she met Lou Krenz and they were married on July 15, 1961. Karen worked at various retail jobs from clerk to office work for J. C. Penney’s and Sears. Lou’s work with the YMCA moved their family to many different states; Karen always offering support and encouragement along the way. Karen volunteered in many capacities for the YMCA’s she and Lou served; being voted volunteer of the year for the Quincy YMCA.

She was an avid bridge and scrabble player, and quite an athlete in her early adult years playing racquetball, co-ed softball and volleyball. She, Lou, and their children traveled extensively and she always enjoyed attending the theater and grandchildren’s events when she was able. Most important to her was the relationships she had with family and friends. Karen’s greatest joy came from the times when people she loved got to together for a good meal, to celebrate a holiday, to reconnect at a family reunion, or even to just sit down for a good game of cards.

Karen is survived by her husband Louis (Lou), four children: Karn Haubrich of Quincy, Illinois, Kel (Kelly) Krenz of Chenoa, Illinois, Mitchel Krenz of Chicago, Illinois and Mindy (Jim) Wolf of Liberty, Illinois. 14 grandchildren: Wess and Reed Haubrich, Kara and Ethan Wolf, Brennan, Camden, Allyn, Kieran, Madelyn, Merryn, Anderson, Finan, Roselyn and Ryann Krenz. Brothers: Dennis and Steve Anderson. Sisters: Gloy Jacobson, Cleo Bonn, and Colleen (Greg) Sedivy. Brother-in-law Timothy (Cherie) Krenz, Sister-in-law Marlys (Delno) Rohloff, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Casper and Myrtle Anderson, brother and sister in law Charles and Darlene Anderson, sister in law, Norma (Denny) Anderson and father and mother-in-law Ruben and Edith Krenz.

An August 8th memorial service at Christ Lutheran Church in Quincy, Illinois will bring together family and friends to celebrate her life. The memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. preceded by a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Memorial may be made to the Quincy YMCA 3101 Main St, Quincy, IL 62301