Karen Jean Fransen, 72, of Freeport, IL, passed away on January 24, 2024 at home. She was born on July 12, 1951 in Freeport, to Gerald Smull and Geraldine Pfile. She worked for Newell Window Furnishings for 20 years, then Micro Switch until retirement. She was a Fraternal Order of Moose member. She also loved camping, fishing, bingo, and spending time with grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter Debra K. Boatright, daughter Cindy L. Guthrie (Tom), daughter Connie S. Boatright (Tara), son Matthew Fransen (Nicole), grandchildren: Heaven E. Boatright, Cory W. Boatright, Kaylee S. Guthrie, Harmony G. Guthrie, Zachary Fransen, Andre Fransen, Katrina Macqueen, Devyon Fransen, and Tyra Fransen; 3 great-grandchildren: Neveah, Dustin, and Chloe; nieces and nephews, and close family friends: Wendy Veach, Meghan Keho, Ashli Busch, Joshua Kerr, Staci Aden, and many others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Smull and Geraldine Pfile, brother Roger Smull, sister-in-law Debra Smull, and sister Sharon Kampen.

A funeral will be held on Monday January 29, 2024 at 4 PM, with visitation from 3 PM until time of service, at the East Gate Christian Center, 1650 S. Armstrong Ave, Freeport, IL, with Nikki Gallagher Oosthuizen officiating.