Karen Grace Eilbrecht

Karen Grace Eilbrecht, 71, of Elgin, Il., passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021, at Autumn Leaves of St. Charles, Il.  Karen was born on April 8, 1950, in Milwaukee, WI., the daughter of Walter and Lorriane (nee. Tuyls) Elbrecht Jr. 

Karen joined the Navy after graduating High school. Anyone who knew her, knew she was proud of serving her country. She was stationed in San Francisco during Vietnam. Even though her time may not have been long in the Navy. She had many stories to share. 

Karen was a strong-willed woman who had compassion for others. Her children would say, she would speak her mind and leave 2 cents on the table. She was known for the love of all animals, especially her beloved cats. She was loved by her children and grandchildren. She will be loved and missed by all who knew her. 

Karen is survived by her three children, Robert (Kelly) Whistler, La-Fee (Joe) Franks and James (Maritza Rojas) Walsted; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Whistler; her twelve grandchildren; her two great grandchildren; her two sisters, Kathy (Thomas) Verhasselt and Karol Eilbrecht; her brother, Jeffrey Minton; her sister-in-law/friend, Kris Walsted; several nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Timothy Whistler; her sister, Suzan Minton; her ex-husband/friend, Thomas Walsted, and her uncle, Jimmy Elbrecht. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Moss-Norris Funeral Home, 100 S. Third Street, St. Charles, Il. 60174.  A funeral service will follow at 6:00 P.M. also at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately.  Memorial donations in Karen’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://act.alz.org/site/Donation.