Karen Taylor

Karen Taylor, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, departed her earthly home to her heavenly home Thursday, July 11, 2024.

She was born April 26, 1940 in Rockford, Illinois, to Leif and Irene Gulbrantson. She married the love of her life, Bob Taylor Nov. 20, 1955. Karen and Bob retired to Wappapello, Missouri in 1994.

They lived their dream in the woods until 2018 when they returned to Rockford, Illinois to be closer to their children.

A faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, her friends, and her church, Karen took great pleasure in mentoring young Christians. She created memories with many people such as teaching Sunday School, camping trips, ear piercing (if you know, you know), tea parties with her grandchildren, and sharing her love of the Lord with others.

Survivors include her husband, Bob; children, Carey Thorn, Rob (Kathi) Taylor, and Kelly (Steve) Kleczewski; grandchildren, Jeremy (Erin) Taylor, Melissa Tidwell, Daniel (Rachel) Stewart, Shanna Taylor, MariJo Thorn, Michael (Robin) Angelico, Kayla Weckstrom, Jennifer (Trent) Mielke, Jenyl (Eli) Carmean, Bill (Rachel) Lorscheider, Krystin (Anthony) Cooper, and Justin (Kaitlin) Jones; great-grandchildren, TJ, Alanna, Audrey, Jorden, Kelseigh, Hayden, Auren, Knox, Lincoln, Jack, Hannah, Halyn, Hadley, Leila, and Wesley.

Numerous nieces, nephews, and was a friend to many. Predeceased by her daughter, Bobbi Jo Roseland; her parents; and siblings, Janice Shattuck, Don Gulbrantson, and Joyce Altendorf.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at Redeemed Life Church, 8501 Forest Hills Road in Loves Park, Illinois at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Rev. Ross Miley will be officiating. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by knowing Karen are invited to join in honoring her memory.

Because of her love for missions, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Renewal Ministries of Zimbabwe, South Africa www.renewalmin.org, or Crossroads Ministries of Poplar Bluff, Missouri www.crossroadsget.help/donate.

Condolences can be mailed to Bob Taylor, 1624 Columbia Ave., Rockford, IL 61104.

Affordable Cremation & Funeral Service assisted the family.

To extend online condolences, please visit: www.affordablecremationbelvidere.com.