DECATUR – Karen L. Kruse, 69, of Decatur passed away at 1:30 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 7, 2013) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday (Feb. 11, 2013) at Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel, Decatur. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Monday. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Karen was born Feb. 13, 1943, in Clinton, to Donald and Margaretha (Blue) McHaney. She married John Kruse on Oct. 10, 1997.

Karen retired from the University of Illinois in 1998, and Bob Evans in 2008. She was a very creative person. Karen used her many talents to delight her family and friends with items she created. Her most recent hobby was her interest in photography. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandson.

Surviving are her husband, John Kruse of Decatur; sons, Aaron Peterrson of Warrensburg, Jason Yochum of Collinsville; grandson, Brandon Peterrson; sisters, Beverly (Don) Marvin of Mahomet and Phyllis (Ken) Thompson of Hopedale; two nieces, five nephews and three sisters-in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Karen will ever be remembered for her infectious laughter and fun-loving personality.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.