Karen Ann Rames, 86

Karen Ann (Redman) Rames passed away on July 20, 2025, in Joliet, Ill., at the age of 86. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Karen was born on March 22, 1939, near Menno, S.D., to Herman and Anna (Zeeb) Redman. She grew up on a family farm southeast of Menno. Her parents and uncle and aunt, Oliver and Anna Redman, lived on the same farm and farmed the same land. The two families, including her sister Renee Huenemann and cousins Jean Clarke and Jennifer Starnes, developed a unique bond that is still strong today.

Karen attended Morning Star #67, a one-room country school, through eighth grade and then continued her education at Menno High School, going on to earn her teaching degree from South Dakota State University. While at Menno High School she met the love of her life, Robert Rames. They were married on March 5, 1960. After graduation, Karen and Bob relocated to the Washington, D.C. area where she began her teaching career. Bob’s career brought them to Illinois where they welcomed Kristine into their family in 1964. After about four years and another relocation, little sister Katherine was welcomed in Ohio to make the perfect family of four. Karen was a stay-at-home mother until her daughters were older when she returned to teaching at Conrady Junior High School in Palos Hills, Illinois, and then eventually in 1994 retired from Pleasantdale Junior High School in Burr Ridge, Illinois. After retiring from teaching, she accepted a position in the registration office at Moraine Valley Community College.

Karen’s deep faith and devotion to the Lord drew her to involvement in the Lutheran Church as a Stephen Minister, member of the ladies group, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, and book club member. Other life-long interests included reading, sewing, solving crossword puzzles, crafting, and spending time with family and friends, especially at their lake house.

Karen is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert Rames; daughters Kristine (Glenn) Jones of Keller, Texas and Katherine (Corey) Herrboldt of Plainfield, Ill.; grandchildren Bradley (Taylor) Jones, Erica (Frank) South, Brooke and Bailey Herrboldt; sister Renee (Mark) Huenemann; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Alan and Marie Rames; aunt Erna Zeeb; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Anna Redman, parents-in-law Art and Olga Rames, and many other cherished, extended family members.