Karen Sunderlage

Karen Sunderlage, age 63, of Genoa, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Monday January 7, 2013 at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, after a long fought battle with cancer. She was born October 16, 1949 in Aurora the daughter of Harley and Marilyn Strobert. Karen attended local schools as a young girl before attending West Aurora High School. She graduated with the class of 1967. As a young woman she was a longtime member of the Quivera Club in Elburn. In the early 1970’s Karen won the heart of Robert Lucas. In May of 1971 Karen welcomed Brett, the first of her four children, into her life. After some time Karen and Robert grew apart. Karen was one of the lucky ones who had a second chance at love. Karen and Jerry Sunderlage were married in 1984. Over the next 3 years they welcomed Zachary, Hailey, and Kelsey into their families. After her marriage to Bob, Karen left her parents’ home in Aurora. In 1969 she moved to Elburn where she lived until the early 1980’s. Karen later moved to Genoa where she settled in and made her home. Although Karen loved all types of music, Elvis stole her heart. She could sing along to every Elvis song there was. She made numerous trips to Memphis and visited Graceland countless times with her "Memphis Buddies" Carol and Linda. The most meaningful trip to Memphis was with her daughter and granddaughter. Even though she struggled to get around, Karen persevered and took the tour with her family, singing and dancing along the way. Karen always had a sense of fashion and enjoyed passing time shopping. Karen was always willing to extend a helping hand to those in need, even without being asked. Her children and grandchildren meant the world to her. She always was each child’s personal cheering section at any of their sporting events, even practice. Whenever there was a gathering, Karen was the life of the party. She loved to make people laugh and have a good time. Some of her pastimes included crafts, decorating, and reading usually while enjoying her favorite snack, Coca-Cola and Cheetos. Although Karen was vocal about what she thought, she always was a better listener. SURVIVORS: She is survived by her 4 children:Brett Lucas, Zachary Sunderlage, Hailey Sunderlage, and Kelsey Sunderlage;5 Grandchildren Brooklynn, Makenna, Kash, Braedyn, Daemon. Her mother Marilyn Strobert;5 brothers and sisters:Vickie (Mark) Rupprecht, Barbara (Peter) Schafer, David (Andrea) Strobert, Denise Brown, and Richard Strobert; And many nieces and nephews.PRECEDED:Her father Harley StrobertVISITATION / FUNERAL The family will be hosting a private memorial service at a later date. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in their name to benefit The American Cancer Society: Checks may be made to the "American Cancer Society" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com."If tears could build a stairway, and thoughts a memory lane, we’d walk right up to heaven, and bring you home again."

The family will be hosting a private memorial service at a later date.