Karen Lynn Rada-Smith

She was born October 30, 1967 in Tampa, FL to Frank and Sylvia Zwettler. She married Paul Smith on October 15, 2019.

Karen graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She served families as a Funeral Director and Funeral Home Manager in the greater Chicagoland area since 1999. She was a mentor and friend to many in the funeral industry. She was very direct but also very caring, which showed in her devotion to her job and the families she served.

Karen was also devoted to her family. She was a rock for her two boys and a caring mom to her daughter. When she wasn't at work or with family, she enjoyed traveling, long rides on a motorcycle, and reading. Karen was always on the go and loved to run at the local forest preserves. A gun enthusiast, Karen was a former member of a Women's Shooting League and was a great shot.

Karen will be greatly missed by her husband, Paul; her children, Jason (Amy) , Andrew, Alexis, and Gregory; her grandchildren, Nova, Brandon, Madisen, Cameron, Liliann, Christian; her sister, Lisa (Oval); her brothers, Tom and Frank; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John.

There will be a visitation from 2 to 6pm on Saturday, April 2 at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 E. Grant Hwy, Marengo. An informal time of sharing will be held at 5:30pm.

Memorials may be made in Karen's name to JourneyCare Hospice at www.journeycare.org.