Karen was born in Peoria on February 24, 1945 to Irene and Kenneth Lind. During Karen's childhood, the family moved to Joliet due to Kenneth's transfer as a Caterpillar employee. Karen's mother, Irene Lind, is remembered fondly as a teacher of English at Joliet West High School. Karen attended Joliet grade schools and graduated from Joliet Central High School in 1963. Karen graduated from Knox College in 1968 with a degree in fine arts. She became a social worker and practiced in both New Mexico and Illinois.

Following a serious fire in the 1980's, Karen and her husband, Edwin, an Army veteran, moved back to Joliet to lend support to her parents. In 1992, Karen's husband and father passed away and her mother died shortly thereafter in 1995. Following her family losses, Karen remained in Joliet and cared for a great many friends as they faced health issues. She was a true caregiver and tried to help those in need of help and companionship.

Karen is survived by her brother Rev. Howell K. Lind and his wife Rev. Nancy Bowen, both retired, their four daughters Lisa (Chris Nixon) Lind, , Bethany(Jeremy Torphy) Martell, Laura (Jack) Pettus, Carrie (Matt Little) Martell and special friends Deborah Hill and her POA Mark (Celeste) Turk. Karen's health struggles required additional care over the past ten years, so she resided first at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home and then transferred to Villa Franciscan. Her family would like to thank the staff at OLA and Villa Franciscan, her nurses and aides, especially Angel and Grace, Visiting Angels of Naperville, and the Lightways Hospice Staff, especially Veveca, Margie and Bonnie.

Per Karen's wishes she will be cremated and both she and her husband will be interred at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Memorial services celebrating Karen Buczek's life will be held at Carlson-Holmquist­ Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd. Friday, March 24th at 11:30 AM

Service Zoom link at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84698515483?pwd=KzI3V2V4Z3VucytsR0JZb0YvTWdDdz09

Memorials in Karen's memory may be made to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60435 or Joliet Township High Schools Foundation, 300 Caterpillar Drive, Joliet, IL 60436.