Karen L. Felkner

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 

Karen Lynn Felkner (age 75) found her rest on January 10, 2026, when she left her burdened body to join her parents Richard Paul and Beulah Irene (Coslet) Hoffman and her brothers John and Dean (Jane). After having two sons, Richard and Beulah were overjoyed when Karen was born on September 1, 1950, at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola, Illinois.

Karen was strong, resilient, and always open to new adventures. After graduating from Newman High School, she married Mike Gordon and flew alone to Washington, DC, to join him as he recovered from injuries suffered in Viet Nam. She left DC for Hawaii, then California, and returned to Illinois where she had two beautiful and loving children: daughter, Kim (Wayne) Nelson of Virginia; son, Chad Gordon of Nevada. After becoming a young divorcee, Karen married Tom Felkner, her devoted husband of 50 years who stayed by her side through her various health challenges.

Karen was an Account Technician at the University of Illinois for several years and an active union representative who questioned certain union traditions. After retirement, Karen started a clothing ministry at her church, Living Hope Fellowship, eventually adding household goods and furniture to her charitable efforts. Karen had a knack for interior decorating and loved Fenton glassware, filling every cabinet in her home with her collection. She owned and operated Main Street Treasures in Villa Grove for eight years.

Karen played on a Villa Grove women’s softball team, coached girls’ softball, and bowled in a local league. Karen’s ability to remain level-headed in crisis situations allowed her to use that gift as an Ambulance Emergency Medical Technician for Villa Grove. She loved to gamble and one of her best memories was her recent trip to Nevada to visit Chad. She was delighted when Kim’s family celebrated Christmas with her last year. Two of Karen’s greatest joys were her grandsons, Benjamin and Andrew Nelson.

Along with her husband, children and grandchildren, Karen leaves behind stepdaughters, Amy (Mark) Manning and Annette (Shawn) Raye; two step-grandchildren, Nicholas Manning and Haley (Nathan) Mariano; one sister, Sandy (Steve) Williams of Tolono; two brothers, Don (Dee Ann) Hoffman of Pesotum and Kevin (Lesia) Hoffman of Camargo; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews who have many fond memories of time spent by her side. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. 

Karen’s services are on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove, Illinois. Visitation is from 10am-12pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service with Pastor Richard Hoffman officiating. A private burial will take place on a future date. Memorials may be made to an organization of your choice. Karen lived extended years through the grace of a kidney donor and would appreciate your consideration to becoming an organ donor.

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