November 13, 1932 – May 19, 2023
Elkhart — Karen M. Gleason, 90, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the H & J Vonderlieth Living Center in Mt. Pulaski.
A Mass of Christian Burial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhart with Rev. Joseph Dondanville officiating.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhart. A Prayer Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. prior to the visitation.
Burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
Karen Marie Svenson was born on November 13, 1932, in Lincoln, the daughter of Hugo and Nellie Malerich Svenson. She was united in marriage to Richard B. “Slip” Gleason on June 2, 1956. He preceded her in death on February 20, 2017.
She is survived by her children: Elise Gleason, Theresa (Tom) Moore, Ann Curry, James (Penny Thompson) Gleason; six grandchildren: Leslie (Chris) Urish, Justin (Sara) Anderson, Zachary Moore, Kristie (David) Rucker, Jaymie (John) Galassi, and Meghan Moore; ten great-grandchildren: Brady, Ayleigh, J.J., Joleigh, Crosby, John Wesley, Roxxi, Kalli, Chase, and Devin. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two sisters: Mary Katherine Moats and Eleanor Lanterman.
Karen graduated from Elkhart Community High School in 1950 and then from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1954. She retired from teaching at Elkhart Grade School after many years.
She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Alter and Rosary Guild, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Elkhart American Legion Auxiliary, and Mt. Pulaski Women in Business Club.
Memorials may be made to the Elkhart Fire Department or the Needs and Goals (NAG) of Elkhart.
Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
