Karen Kae Johnson

Karen Kae (Lane) Johnson, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on April 21, 2024, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Karen waged a two-year battle against sarcoma cancer, which she fervently fought with courage, grace, and determination. While cancer won the war, she won two major battles that gave her more time to be with those she loved and continue to participate in so many experiences.

Karen was born on July 4, 1942, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Mickey and Elaine (Brooks) Lane. Mickey was fighting in WWII at the time of her birth, so Karen met her father for the first time at age 2. Karen believed that Independence Day firework displays, all around the USA, were her countrymen celebrating her birthday!

Karen moved to Moline when Mickey worked for John Deere. She graduated from Moline High School in 1960 and then earned a degree in elementary education from Iowa State University in 1964. While a freshman at Iowa State, Karen met a dashing young man named Jim when they were set up by friends to meet at the corner of Lincoln Way and Welch in Ames. Karen had no idea at the time that the meeting would ensure that she passed Physics and Chemistry and lead to a 44-year marriage to Jim. Karen was a founding member of the Delta Nu chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at Iowa State University and continued to be an active member of Alpha Chi her entire life.

Three weeks after graduation, Karen and Jim were married in the Quad Cities on December 19, 1964. Karen started as an elementary school teacher and then paused her career after a few years while she and Jim had 3 children and settled in Arlington Heights in 1969. They remained in Arlington and developed lifelong friendships and relationships in the Northwest Suburbs.

Karen taught Reading and Language Arts in Arlington Heights School District 25 for nearly 25 years. She was a lifelong learner and loved being with her students. As a parent, she was a PTA President, Eagle Scout Mom, Band Booster Board member, and the biggest supporter of her children and their friends.

Karen was an active member of the community in Junior Women’s Club, Gamma Chi Gamma alumnae chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, First Presbyterian Church, book review, the Precious Bible Study Sisters, Northwestern Football season ticket holder, dinner parties, and played mahjong and bridge. In addition, Karen loved to travel and was happy to go “wherever” whenever invited or able. Karen was always listening, curious, doodling, interested in others, and never met a stranger. She was at home everywhere she went with anyone she met, and made each person feel seen and heard.

Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents Mickey, Elaine and stepfather Bob; brother Mike; nephew Nick; beloved in-laws, extended family, and friends. She is survived by her children Julie Kae (Andy) Wallace of Cumming, Georgia, Jenny Johnson of Arlington Heights, and Jeff (Jennifer) Johnson of Arlington Heights; and her adored grandchildren Sydney Kae and Emily Jo Wallace, Jack Edward and Jasper Lane Johnson, and Jasmine Marie and Jordon Edward Johnson.

Visitation is Friday, April 26, 3–8 pm at Glueckert Funeral Home at 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, Illinois

Funeral service is Saturday, April 27, at 10 am at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 S Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, Illinois: with a visitation from 9–9:45 am in the parlor at First Presbyterian Church

Karen was not a fan of wearing all black, so the family requests you feel free to wear colors to the funeral, if you are comfortable, as a colorful celebration of her vibrant life.

Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Arlington Heights

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Karen’s name to the Sarcoma Foundation of America (curesarcoma.org/donate-today/) or the American Heart Association (heart.org).