Karen Erickson Obituary

Erickson, Karen Jean

Karen Jean Erickson of Lansing, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 21, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born on June 12, 1971, to Henry and Carol Losnedahl.

Karen was a beloved wife to her husband, Dave Erickson, a cherished older sister to Erik Losnedahl, and a devoted aunt to her niece and nephew, Maya and Drew Losnedahl. She also shared a beautiful, lifelong friendship with her dear neighbor, Lisa Panozzo.

Karen was deeply caring, thoughtful, and had a heart of gold. She found joy in cooking homemade meals and was affectionately known as "Iron Chef" by her husband, Dave. She had a great love for music, enjoying bands such as Duran Duran, Rush, and Pink Floyd, and she cherished attending concerts. Karen also had a passion for skincare and worked as a Rodan + Fields consultant, using her creativity and enthusiasm to share quality products with others. She and her husband were dedicated Chicago White Sox and Bears fans and loved attending games together. Karen also loved tending to her garden, often sharing pictures of her beautiful plants.

Karen earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Augustana College and later pursued a Master's in Microbiology from The University of Illinois as well as a Master's in Education from Governors State University. She began her career as a high school teacher, dedicating five years to education before transitioning to Dutch American Foods in Crete, Illinois, where she worked for 17 years until her passing.

A devoted member of All Souls Parish (formerly St. Ann's Parish) in Lansing, IL, Karen served as a Eucharistic minister, embracing her faith with commitment and grace.

Karen is survived by her loving parents, Carol and Henry Losnedahl; her husband of fifteen years, Dave Erickson; her brother, Erik Losnedahl, and sister-in-law, Maleesa Losnedahl; her adored niece and nephew, Maya and Drew Losnedahl; her uncle, Ronnie Martinson; her aunt, Diane (Tom) Crawford; her cousin, Melissa Crawford; and her lifelong friend and neighbor, Lisa Panozzo, as well as countless dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, laughter, and warmth.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Hettie-Jean and Richard Martinson, her paternal grandparents, Ole and Anna Losnedahl, and her uncle, John Martinson.

Karen's bright light and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Visitation for Karen will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois. Funeral services for Karen will take place Monday, March 31, 2025 starting with closing prayers at 9:30 AM at the funeral home, then proceeding to All Souls Parish (St. Ann Catholic Church), 3010 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois for a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial with Father Kurt Boras officiating. Karen will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial gardens Cemetery, Schererville, Indiana. www.schroederlauer.com

Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com