Karlene Kunz

Karlene M. Kunz, nee Schaefer, 86, of Smithton, IL, born February 5, 1935, in Belleville, IL, died Monday, March 8, 2021, at Freeburg Care Center, Freeburg, IL.

Mrs. Kunz was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL. She was an avid bingo, bowler, and card player. She enjoyed cheering for the Cubs at Cardinal baseball games and seldom missed any sporting events of her daughter or granddaughters.

After retiring, Karlene began delivering flowers for the Gilded Lily, which brought great joy to others as well as herself. She loved to garden, take care of her yard, and spent numerous hours crocheting in her free time.

Karlene was preceded in death by her husband of almost 63, years, Wayne L. Kunz, whom she married on June 27, 1957, and who died on June 13, 2020, her parents, James G. and Lena J., nee Quirin, Schaefer.

She is survived by a daughter, Sandra Kay (Charles) Busch of Waterloo, IL;
three grandchildren, Caitlin, Kristen, and Megan Busch;
a brother-in-law, Omar Jr. (Carolyn) Harris;
two nephews, Todd (Teresa) Harris, and Taff (Vicki) Harris;
three great-nephews, Logan Harris, Luke Harris, and Seth Harris;
and several cousins.

A special thank you to everyone at the Freeburg Care Center for their years of care and support, especially during this past challenging year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL, or memorial mass offerings may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Paderborn, IL.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Paderborn, IL.

Funeral:  A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Paderborn, IL, with Rev. James Voelker officiating.

Burial will be held at a later date.