Karen Faye Kleine

Karen Faye Kleine, aged 74, of Carlyle, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. Born on February 9, 1951, in East St. Louis, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of Frank and Pearley (Wright) Johnson.

Karen's journey through life included two marriages: first to Robert Alan McCord, who preceded her in death, and later to Robert "Bob" Kleine, who also predeceased her. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Delbert Johnson, Flossing Tucker, Pat Rector, and Helen Wright Johnson.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her children: Connie Hart, Frances (Dan) Ledbetter, Tammy (Randy) Tratchel, Thomas (Jeni) McCord, Sammy (Natashia) McCord, and Caroline (TJ) Worley, Casey (Kayla) Hart, and Brandy Hart. Karen cherished her role as a grandmother to Jeffrey, Courtney, Tanner, Hanna, Hannah, Michael, Kitana, Machelle, Kody, Mathew, Jordan, Joseph, Jacob, Breanna, Kylee, and Mckenzie, and she was a proud great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Marcella Kunkle, Carl Johnson, Kenny Johnson, David Wright as well as her companion Clyde.

Throughout her life, Karen had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying fishing and horses. She found joy in the thrill of gambling and playing poker machines. Karen treasured time spent with her family. Despite her playful claim of disliking Christmas, Karen's giving heart and love for being around people proved that claim wrong many times. Her vibrant spirit added warmth to many dances and moments filled with country music.

Karen served as the past president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, where she actively contributed to bingo events and other gatherings. In the most recent years, you could always find her and Clyde out on the side-by-side enjoying the rides around Carlyle.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle with Pastor Jason McIntosh officiating. Burial will follow at Carlyle Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 5, 2026, and again on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of services at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle.

Memorials made in memory of Karen are suggested to the American Lung Association or Dravet Syndrome Foundation and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.