Karen M. Bozych

Age 87 of Goose Lake, Illinois, formerly of Lockport and Lemont, Illinois, died Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at Morris Hospital.

Born September 14, 1939 in Joliet, Illinois, Karen Marie was a daughter of Norman and Marjorie (Ward) Solley. She was raised in Lockport where she attended Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School and later Lockport Central High School where she graduated with the Class of 1956. Karen frequented Freddie's Sweet Shoppe as a young girl with her sisters and friends, and gained employment with the Roxy Theatre after high school. She worked for a time at the Joliet Arsenal Ammunition Plant, and on January 20, 1962 she married Cletus "Jerry" Bozych in Lockport, where they would begin their married life until moving to Lemont and later Goose Lake where they raised their son.

Karen was a devoted homemaker, wife, and mother, striving to provide the best possible home life for her family. She was a great collector, particularly fond of miniature carousels, polar bears, and dragonflies. Karen enjoyed travelling with her husband and had a great affinity for Southwestern American culture, particularly anything associated with Navajo and Hopi Native American tribes, including Kokopelli statues. She was a kind, genuine woman loved giving thoughtful gifts to her friends and family. Karen was a fixture of her grandchildren's upbringing, always available to them whenever needed. Her selfless nature and caring, unconditional love was apparent to all who knew her and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her son, Bart (Wendy) Bozych of Coal City, IL; two grandchildren: Brooke (James) Tharp of Braidwood, IL and Brandon Bozych of Coal City, and two step-grandchildren: Alexis Baxter of Coal City and Samantha (Charlie) Kabureck of Germantown, TN; great grandchildren: Jensen, Declan, Spencer, Liam, Cash, Nora, and Theo; one sister-in-law, Betty (Robert) Meidl of Goose Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sisters: Celine "Cene" Schwartz and Mary Lou Arnold.

Private family services will be held and Karen will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet with her family.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Karen's memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815/634-2125)