Obituary of Karen Louise Illg

Karen Louise Illg, 67, of rural Isanti, passed away peacefully at her home on March 23, 2016 after a long courageous battle against cancer. Karen was born June 26, 1948 in Willmar, MN to Melvin and Deloris Peterson. After selling the family farm they moved to Spring Lake Park where Karen grew up and attended school. After high school Karen married George Harves and they had two children, Christopher and Renee. Karen worked at various schools doing clerical work and for the last 25 or more years for Anoka County as a family court deputy and then supervisor of the Family Court division until her retirement. Karen married the love of her life, Lyle on June 13, 1981. After her first diagnosis of cancer in 1989 they made plans and built their hobby farm in rural Isanti. They were going to live life to the fullest. There Karen was able to fulfill her dream of having her own horses again. Along with Lyle they shared their love of farm life. Lyle with his restoration of tractors, threshing and farm work and Karen with her horses. She passed on this love of horses to her children and grandchildren. Many a weekend Karen could be found camping at various horse show locations and participating in the game events. In the last few years she could only watch from the sideline but could be heard cheering on everyone else with words of encouragement. Karen was an active in Isanti County 4-H, North Metro Association, MSNS Saddle Club and Tri County Old Thyme Threshers. The last 6 years Karen had battled her cancer again. Stage 4 breast cancer with metastasis to the bones, liver, pancreas and eventually in February the cancer went directly to her heart. Karen never complained through all of this and many people didn’t even know she was ill or going through treatments all this time. She was an amazingly strong woman and courageous until the end. She is back with her love, Lyle, forever. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Karen is survived by son: Chris (Melinda) Harves of Cottage Grove, daughter: Renee Gemmill of Isanti, and step son: Gerry (Shirley) Illg of East Bethel. Eight Grandchildren: Lisa (Kory) Illg- Kunza, Amanda (Keith) Johnson, Jason (Danielle) Illg, CJ Harves, Rebecca Harves, Christina Harves, Robin Gemmill and JD Gemmill. 4 Great grandchildren. Sister Lynn (Dan) Carlson of Santa Rosa, CA. Niece Trisha (Jeff) Ramos and nephew Troy Torgrimson. Special daughter in heart, Tammy Morphew. As well as other cousins and relatives.