"Heaven just got a new angel. Karen was such a gracious lady, yet so much fun to be around. Family was so important to her as evidenced by their photo Christmas cards. I think I still have many of them. I always looked forward to the KHS class reunions because it would be a chance to share time with Karen and Gary. They were the perfect couple and their love and respect for each other was obvious. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary and family."
In loving memory of
Karen Ecklund West
July 9, 1943 - August 19, 2020
Karen Faith Ecklund West, 77 went home to be with Jesus on August 19, 2020. Karen was born to Harry and Irene Ecklund on July 9, 1943 in Harvard, Illinois. She graduated from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin in May 1965 as an education major and went on to be an elementary school teacher. In college is where she met the love of her life, Gary West. They were married July 31, 1965 and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Karen was a wife, mother, nana and friend to many. The way she modeled her faith in Jesus Christ was an inspiration to all those who knew her. Gary's job gave them opportunities to live in many places where she developed many close friendships. Anyone blessed to know her knew of her unwavering faith and unconditional love of her family. Karen loved her years in Bible Study Fellowship and PEO International where she was able to live out her walk with Christ.
As a friend of hers recently shared, "She lit up every room she walked into with a warm smile, her glow radiating with the Holy Spirit that filled her big heart, her elegant beauty inside and out, her love, and her graciousness."
Karen was preceded in death by her Mother, Father and Brother. She is survived by her husband Gary, son Andrew (Adrienne) daughter Anne (Matthew) grandchildren Andrew, Jane, Charles, Erika, Eloisa, Allison, Ryan and Jacob.
The immediate family will be having a private service to celebrate Karen's life on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to:
BSF International https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/give-to-bsf
PEO International https://donations.peointernational.org/
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Tributes
"Karen was such a good friend. We had so many good times together golfing,parting and just passing time on the phone. I have so many wonderful memories of her Gary and Family and Gary\'s Dad(my boyfriend) I was in shock when I heard of her passing. I can truly say I loved her. May she rest in the peace of Our Lord. She will be missed."
"To Karen?s Family - I only knew Karen for a few short months but could feel immediately she was a warm, caring and compassionate lady. I so looked forward to having more time getting to know her. May her family and close friends be a support to each other during this time and the days, weeks and months ahead. Rest in Peace, Karen."
"To Karen?s family - I only knew Karen for a few short months but could feel immediately she was a warm, caring, lovely person. I so looked forward to getting to know her better. May she Rest In Peace and her family and close friends be a comfort to each other."
"I was so blessed to meet Karen in our BSF group in Scottsdale. Her witness and walk with the Lord was so genuine and inspirational to me. She touched my heart. She must have had such a wonderful welcome into Heaven! Karen had her Father\'s eyes. Her father?s eyes; Eyes that found the good in things, When good was not around; Eyes that found the source of help, When help would not be found; Eyes full of compassion, Seeing every pain; Knowing what you?re going through, And feeling it the same. Just like my father?s eyes, My father?s eyes, My father?s eyes, Just like my father?s eyes. My father?s eyes, My father?s eyes, Just like my father?s eyes. Ardis Mohrschladt"
"To the family: Karen attended several of Chapter EU,s book club/luncheon meetings. We were just getting to know her and wanting her to join our chapter. My thoughts and prayers to your family. Please accept my sympathy. Carlene Lawrence Chapter EU "
"I loved the West family So Much When I visited there home in Chesterfield Mo. Their dog Charlie would greet me Karen I bonded very quickly and We had secrets too... that?s how close we were. She helped me cook a chicken dish while she watched in our kitchen island at Turnberry Place Baldwin Mo. easy but she knew I did like to cook We lvd our cocktails so much and that is when our secrets were shared Miss those times so much and he?ll yes we were ALOT younger Love and many blessings sent to you Michele Duncan"
"Karen had an amazing ability to always make you feel like you were the only person in the world. She connected on such a deep and personal level, and I am thankful every day that I met Anne (and her parents) in college. I can\'t even count the number of hours I spent in their kitchen talking and laughing. Karen was definitely a second mother to me also. She will be deeply, deeply missed. "
"Karen was always so warm and loving - I will never forget her. Sending prayers to the whole family as you remember her and pay tribute to a wonderful life well lived ??"
"Karen was like a second mother to me! My condolences go out to the entire West family. You all are such special people! R.I.P Karen. You will be missed!"