Karen Lynn Hodges

Karen Lynn Hodges, 73, of Kewanee, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Betty’s Garden Memory Care of Kewanee, Kewanee, IL.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church, Geneseo, IL.  Pastor Andrew Robinson will officiate.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.  The service will be live streamed on the church’s site.  A visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  The funeral service will be livestreamed on Geneseo Evangelical Free Churches Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/geneseoefc).  Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org/donate. 

Karen was born on October 2, 1947, the daughter of Carl and Hazel (Johnson) Embry, in Milwaukee, WI.  She graduated from Durrett High School, Louisville, KY.  On August 3, 1968, she married Robert Hodges, and together they had three children.  She was employed by Mel Foster, holding a license in three states.  She also was a homemaker.  During her earlier years she moved 15 times, to eight different states.  She had her hands full settling and acclimating her family.  She was active in bible study at Wildwood Church, East Moline, and later at Geneseo Evangelical Church.  Karen valued her faith and family above all else. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, Bob; son, Scott (Alecia) Hodges, Omaha, NE; daughters, Amy (Jeremy) Dodge, Geneseo, IL, and Jennifer (Chad) Nelson, Cambridge, IL; grandchildren, Josh (Kristina) Dodge, Carson Dodge, Emma Dodge, Madison Hodges, Brayden Hodges, and Riley Nelson; one great-grandchild on the way; sister, Patti (Jeff) Tautenhan, Columbia, SC; and brother, Ed (Joyce) Embry, Bowling Green, KY.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Hazel Embry.  Those wishing to leave a message of sympathy may visit www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.