Obituary of Karen M. Benson

Karen Marie Benson, 67, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023 in Libertyville, IL. She was born in Elgin, IL on August 21, 1955, to Louis and Lillian (nee Burg) Schlarb. Karen and her six siblings grew up in Crystal Lake, IL. Karen often shared many wonderful memories growing up on the lake alongside her family and closest friends, who remained a constant in her life until the very end. 

Karen worked at Baxter for 43 years and genuinely loved what she did for a living. After moving to the city in 2015, Karen made the absolute most of her new season of life. Living in the city and exploring it was an adventure she embraced with pride and confidence. She became a volunteer at the Lincoln Park Zoo and made every child she encountered feel welcomed and loved. She loved her dog, Kip, so deeply. Her family meant the world to her. She was the most supportive mother, while also being the goofy, carefree, youngest sister of 7. She had a spirit about her that radiated joy and never missed an opportunity to dance down a grocery aisle to the tune of Elvis. She was an explorer of life - always wanting to find the next hidden gem, whether it be a new forest preserve or a new travel destination. She truly lived life to the fullest and always looked at the glass half full vs. half empty. 

Left behind to cherish her memory is her daughter Kylie Taubensee (Thomas), son Jake Benson, Grandson James Taubensee, her four sisters; Mary Schwarz (Jim), Susan Walraven, Lois Sodesburg, and Kathy Lightner (Jim), her brothers; Paul Schlarb and Larry Schlarb (Dawn), and her 15 nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held for her family.