Karen V. Lader

Sergeant Karen V. Lader died on May 15th, 2010 after a brief illness. Karen passed away on National Law Enforcement Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and those who've passed away naturally.

Ms. Lader was in the graphic arts/advertising field until she joined the Cook County Sheriffs Office in 1995. While serving the community as a member of the Sheriffs office she carried out many assignments. In 1995 after graduating from the Cook County Sheriffs Academy she was assigned to the Daley Center as a Deputy Sheriff where she worked for two years. In 1997 she tested to join and was selected by the Sheriffs Police Dept. as a full time member.

Ms. Lader began her career with the police department working patrol, as all members do. Following patrol, she was assigned to HIDTA, Gang Crimes Unit, Jail Team, Fugitive Warrants and Investigations Unit. As a detective in the Investigations Unit, her hard work and dedication helped to close many investigations including a shocking Christmas Eve murder. Her exemplary performance in these units earned Karen a promotion to Police Sergeant where she was assigned to the Community Policing Unit as Unit Commander. She worked tirelessly to improve police service to the unincorporated communities of Maine, Northfield, Wheeling, New Trier, Elk Grove, Palatine, Schaumburg, Leyden, Norwood Park, Hanover, Barrington and NilesTownships. She later decided that street work was her passion and she moved back to patrol as a Patrol Sergeant.

Ms. Lader was involved in many charities. The ones closest to her heart included animal rescue and the Special Olympics.

Ms. Lader’s zeal was competitive shooting in which she achieved Master Status resulting in numerous awards and trophies. Karen was a member of the Illinois Police Association and a life member of the National Rifle Association. Several years ago she joined the Oak Park Sportsmen’s Club of Plainfield, IL and could be found there whenever she had time off. She enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow shooters and would sit for hours on end fishing the many ponds at the club or just conversing about the sport of shooting and workmanship of guns. Karen’s shooting skills were well known and her advice and coaching was frequently sought by shooters young and old. She consistently made herself available to assist any shooter and her gentle manner of teaching was a gift.

Karen was the cherished life partner of Amy M. Lilliebridge; daughter of Eli and the late Agnes (nee Duzinskas),dear friend of Ervin Habada, Jerome Lappe, Dave Byrne, Dave Mauro, Alicia Brown, Tina Kachold, Diane Martino and too many others to list; sister of Dora, Bill and Ron Lader; and aunt of six. Visitation Thursday, May 20th, 2010, 3 - 9 PM at Weinstein Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd., Wilmette, IL where a celebration of her life will take place on Friday, May 21st, 2010 at 9:30 AM. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Karen V. Lader Account, c/o Jerome Lappe, Executor, 1743 W. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707.

Arrangements under the direction of Weinstein Funeral Homes, Wilmette, IL. 847-256-5700.