Karl A. Astrom

Born May 17, 1940, age 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 15, 2024, with family by his side.

Karl was born in Evergreen Park, IL, the son of the late Bror and Alice (Dunston) Astrom.

Karl lived in the Lockport, Joliet, Shorewood, Plainfield area most of his life. He graduated from Lockport High School and then went on to the US Air Force, stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas from 1958-1962.

Later, Karl graduated from University of St. Francis with a Bachelors of Science Degree in General Sciences and Northern Illinois University with a Masters of Science Degree in Educational Technology. He retired from G.E. Nuclear Energy in 1996 and Exelon Nuclear Generation in 2004.

Karl was humble and kind; easy going and never one to complain. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, affectionately known as "Grand Pop" and "Grandpa Shoes." As "Grand Pop", "He always took time to spend with us individually, loving and supporting us wherever our paths led us."

One of his greatest pastimes was working in his wood shop. As an avid woodworker, he made many pieces of furniture and many wooden gifts over the years. He was also a proud owner of the award winning "Two Pair & A Spare" Rib business for many years and loved to share his sauce with others. Karl loved to travel, having been to Sweden, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, among many other places all over the United States. He was an avid reader, a fan of NASCAR, the Chicago Bears and loved to fish, always looking forward to and enjoying his annual fishing trip to Canada. Karl was a long-time member of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Joliet and a current member of Holy Family Church in Shorewood.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara A. (Boban) Krippel Astrom. His children, Kipley (Norma) Astrom, Kristine (Jorge) Alcalde, Kathryn Astrom, Karin (Robert) Scheidt, Richard (Tiffany) Krippel, and Kyle (Linda Froelke) Krippel. His Grandchildren, Clayton (Zahra) Astrom, Dr. Courtney (Sarah) Koppenhaver-Astrom, Zoey Astrom (Jordan Steacker), Kylee Krippel (Bleon Salihu), Kari (Kameron) McNicholas, Brandon Krippel, Bailey Krippel, & Taryn (Darren) Hancock and their kids, Jaxxon Hancock and Sutton Hancock. Also survived by Cynthia Astrom, his brother Gordon (Francie) Astrom and niece Dr. Kristin Astrom (Jess Teton), as well as the Boban family, including brother-in-law Bob (Rene) Boban, and the entire Krippel family.

Preceded in death by his parents Bror and Alice (Dunston) Astrom, his brother in infancy, Ronny Astrom, his sister Barbara Astrom, and his nephew Bob Astrom. His father and mother-in-law, Milan and Gretchen Boban, his brother-in-law Porky (Carol) Boban, and his good friend Al Hodge.

Memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 or www.lightways.org would be appreciated. Much appreciation to Karl's Hospice Nurse, Holly, and the Lightways Hospice team for all their support over the past two months.

Private Funeral Services were held. Karl was buried at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors.

Rest in Peace. We love you.