Karen Lucille Cole

Born on September 21, 1942 in Peoria, she was a daughter of Francis E. and Iola “Kiki” B. (Stewart) Durr. Karen married Eugene H. Carr on July 2, 1961 in Pekin. He preceded her in death on February 3, 1974. She later married Donald D. Cole on September 17, 1978 in Pekin. He preceded her in death on May 1, 2003.

She was also preceded by her parents, two sisters, one brother and one granddaughter, Valerie DeReu.

Karen is survived by one son, Jeffrey A. Carr of Arizona; one stepson, Daniel D. (Lynn) Cole of Fort Myers, Florida; three grandsons, Zachary Alan Carr and Alex Jordan Carr, both of Florida and Ryan Cole of Pekin; two nieces and one nephew.

She was a 1960 graduate of Pekin Community High School. Karen worked for Quaker Oats for 31.5 years before retiring in August of 1996 in the Benefits Department. Karen later worked at Express Personnel for 15 years and Peoria Plastics for 6 years as a Human Resource Manager.

Karen was a member of Women of the Moose and former Board Member of the Peoria Sportsman Club. She was also very active with her church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Manito, where she served with the Altar and Rosary, Eucharistic Minister, Readings, and was instrumental in establishing Charity Carnivals. Karen will be remembered for always being a caregiver for others and blessing everyone with her loving spirit.

Her funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Manito, with Father Geoffrey Horton as the celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral Mass on Saturday at the church. Cremation will be accorded following.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions in honor of Karen may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 501 South Adams Street, Manito, Illinois 61546 or Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com