Karen M. Wilken

June 17, 1958 - April 25, 2017

Karen M. Wilken, 58, of New Baden passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family. Karen was born at Hill Air Force Base, Utah on June 17, 1958 the daughter of Billy Wayne and Mary Ellen (McGarth) Elliott. She married Frank Wilken on May 10, 1980 at St. George Church in New Baden and he survives in New Baden. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: Annette (Brent) Anderson of Collinsville and Bill (Maegan) Wilken of New Baden; a granddaughter, Olivia Grace Wilken; her siblings: Paul (Joyce) Elliott of Louisville, KY, David Elliott of Allegan, MI, Jamie (Sharon) Elliott of Cornelius, OR, and Michelle Elliot – Davies of Belleville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Eugene (Barb) Wilken of New Baden, Rita Goebel of New Baden, Stan (Mary Steinkamp) Wilken of Wittenburg, Ann Dillow of New Baden, and Jerome (Sharon) Wilken of New Baden. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Jim Goebel. Mrs. Wilken was a graduate of Wesclin High School and Vatterott College where she studied to be a computer programmer. Karen worked as a payroll clerk at Monterey Coal Mine, Report Processor at Citi Bank, and Reisse Insurance in New Baden. She enjoyed spending time with her family and granddaughter, nature walks, motorcycle rides, crafts, creative art painting, cooking, sewing, and researching various topics. Private services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to family hospice and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home which is caring for the Wilken family.