Karen Sweet

Karen Sweet, age 68, of O’Fallon, Missouri, formally of Milwaukee, WI, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Karen was born on October 10, 1952 to Ruth and Arthur Van Herwynen in Chicago IL and moved to Milwaukee WI in the early 1970’s. Family and friends were the most important facet of her life and she recently moved to the St. Louis area to be closer to them.

She was a devoted and loving mom to Chris (Angela); grandma to Jaxon, Stella, Olivia, Eli, and Emmett; sister to Cookie; aunt to Jennifer (David); great aunt to John (Deanna), Peyton and Faith; cousin and friend to many.

She is predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Arthur Van Herwynen and nephew Jeffy.

Memorial service Sunday May 2, 2021, 2:00PM 7800 W McCarthy Rd, Palos Heights, IL 60463. Dinner to follow immediately after American Legion 15052 Archer Ave, Lockport, IL 60441.

Celebrations of life to be held in the Milwaukee and St Louis area at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.

13 Comments

  1. Troy Rambo on April 28, 2021 at 12:45 pm

    Goodbye Mom! Thanks for inviting me into your family, and for always having the greatest hugs. Your second son.

    Love you! REST IN PEACE.

    Troy



  2. Art Leimetter on April 28, 2021 at 1:09 pm

    So sorry for your loss Sweet family. Went to high school with Karen. Great times. Will never forget her. RIP Sister.

    Art Leimetter
    Cottonwood, Az



  3. Jeff Mussatto on April 28, 2021 at 4:01 pm

    “Family and friends were the most important facet of her life…” This section of the obituary couldn’t be more appropriate for Karen.
    I first met Karen the summer of 1984 and worked with her up to her retirement. She became a good friend over the years we worked together at Tyton, TytonHellermann, HellermannTyton. Those of us who worked there as long as we did will get that joke. Karen did so much for us and was very reliable. Through Karen I quasi-watched Chris grow up. She was so proud of him and adored her grandchildren. That shouldn’t surprise any of us! The news of her passing breaks my heart, but I know there is someone with open arms above the clouds welcoming her home.



  4. Sue & Jeff Tomchek on April 28, 2021 at 4:24 pm

    Chris & Family my heart goes out to you.
    Karen started at Tyton 4 months before I did, and we had many great times together.

    May she Rest In Peace.
    ????



  5. Kitty Larkin on April 28, 2021 at 4:55 pm

    Katen’s smiling face has been. missed by members of ALA Unit 449 of Brookfield but she remains in our hearts and will be remembered in our prayers. She will also be missed by all the Veterans she served through the
    American Legion Auxiliary.



  6. Kaye Ruppel on April 28, 2021 at 6:13 pm

    Karen was our daughter Angela’s mother-in-law. We loved our family gatherings when she could be there. She moved to St. Louis to be closer to all of us. We were all so happy. But God had other plans. Rest in peace sweet lady. You will be missed.
    Jim & Kaye Ruppel



  7. Pat Mustapich on April 28, 2021 at 7:32 pm

    I will miss all the laughs we had, talking about family, and the future visit to St. Louis for a hockey game. You have a very special place in Bob’s and my heart. Love you



  8. Teri on April 28, 2021 at 7:35 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss.
    I am in disbelief.



  9. Keith vach on April 28, 2021 at 8:51 pm

    Chris , Angela, and family, so very sorry to hear of your mom and grandma’s passing. I only met her once and that was years ago. That being said , I can still recall her smile and her zest for life. I was sooooo happy to hear that she was moving down here to be with the ones she loved! Please know we all are thinking and praying for strength for you during this time of loss.



  10. Donna Niven on April 28, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    My condolences to Janet and the entire family. I am sad for the loss of Karen. Although I only recently met Karen this past year, I can see she was a dear friend to many. Sending my prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult journey.????????



  11. Betty Mitchem on April 29, 2021 at 10:06 am

    Condolences to the Sweet family. I am very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and in my thoughts and prayers.



  12. Charlie Locklin on April 29, 2021 at 11:35 am

    Karen was my first person encounter at Tyton and quickly became my friend and mentor. We worked together for almost 20 years and she was always “there” for everyone – she, her personality and friendship will be sorely missed.



  13. Linda Hunt on May 1, 2021 at 6:40 pm

    My deepest condolences to Chris and the family. I worked with Karen at HT for 20 years. Karen was always smiling and full of life. Her son, grandchildren and family were some of her proudest conversations. As my friend. I am very saddened by her loss. I will cherish the memories ????. RIP my friend until we meet again ????❣️????



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