Karen Joyce Kraft, 72, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully, in her quiet room, on September 9, 2026. She was born on November 25, 1953, to Letha (Moser) and Calvin Hepper.

On January 20, 1973, Karen married the love of her life, Donald Kraft. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, faith, and love.

Karen was a wonderful sales representative in the millwork industry, a career she took great pride in throughout most of her life. She was a true go-getter and self-starter who worked hard and always got the job done. If Karen said she was going to take care of something, there was no doubt it would be handled. She was hardworking, determined, loving, and tough. Those who knew her well might describe her as a perfect combination of grit and grace.

Above all else, Karen was devoted to her family. She cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was always there for anyone who needed her. She had a way of checking in on people and making sure everyone was okay. Her caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone, fortunate enough to know her.

Karen was a faithful believer who trusted in the Good Lord and carried a strong faith throughout her life. She worked hard, played hard, and loved deeply. Her laughter, strength, generosity, and unmistakable personality will be dearly missed. And no doubt, her unique “talent” for singing Happy Birthday will be remembered with a smile for years to come.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Kraft; her daughter, Becky (Mark) Williams; her son, Derick Kraft; her grandchildren, Chloe, Dylan, Peyton, Gabriel, Jacob (Alyssa) Backs, Jonathon (Katelyn) Backs, Jillian (Jacob Hatter) Backs, Kayla Williams, and Kelsey Williams; and her great-grandchildren, Kylie, Weston, Bennett, Sarabelle, and Sophia.

She is also survived by her siblings; Dean (Vicky) Hepper, Sharon Hepper, Judy (Larry) Norenberg, Cindy (Kent) Wientjes, Dale Hepper, Susan (Kurt) Froelich, and Steven (Lisa) Hepper; her in laws; Jim (Helen) Kraft, Tom (Char) Kraft, Shirley (Dean) Harrington, Gary Kraft, Marlene Hoffman, and Mary (Ron) Bethke. She is further survived by her dear friends, Doug and Linda Bouback, Jody and Karen Ferguson, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Tracy Jo, as well as numerous family members and in-laws.

A Celebration of Life for Karen will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Belvidere, located at 1255 Jackson Street, Belvidere, IL 61008, at 11am.

Cremation arrangements have been accorded with Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services.