Karen Atwell, 82, of Walnut passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria after a short but mighty battle with cancer.

Karen was born on June 24, 1940, in Deer Grove, the daughter of Kennard and Katherine (Clark) Franks.  She was a 1957 graduate of Atkinson High School and was united in marriage to Lester Atwell on July 12, 1958, in Atkinson. 

Karen was a longtime employee of both Candlelight Inn of Sterling and later Shell Express Lane in Walnut.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and extended family and also loved any adventure, including riding donkeys down the Grand Canyon, whitewater rafting, ziplining and parasailing.

Survivors include her husband, Lester; daughters Lori (Jay) Middleton, Kamey (Sam) Ganschow, Teri (Noel) Carr, and son Todd (Heather) Atwell; grandchildren  Aaron (Hannah) Ganschow, Jordan (Brandy Quentin) Ganschow, Brad (Claire) Middleton, Ben (Katie) Middleton, Ashley (Chris) Culjan, Maddi (Matt) Gossett, and Mason Carr; great-grandchildren Gavin, Mia, Grant, Brynlee, Ava, Theodore and Rorie;  3 brothers; 5 sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers.

As was Karen’s wish, the family had a private viewing at Garland Funeral Home and will plan a celebration of life for a later date.