Karen L. Buhler
May 7, 1948 – November 24, 2020
Karen L. Buhler (nee Barney), 72, of New Lenox, formerly of Chicago, went to her heavenly home on November 24, 2020. Karen was a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University who went on to dedicate her life to teaching children with special needs. Even after she retired from her position with the Chicago Public School system, she continued as a tutor in schools that could not afford full-time special education teachers. When not teaching or spending time with her family, Karen kept busy with many organizations at her abiding church home, St. John Mayfair in Chicago, where she was a much-beloved leader of the Dorcas Society for many years. More recently, she became a member of Good Shepherd Church in Frankfort and was looking forward to forming new friendships there and helping where needed. Karen had the most amazing heart. She was an extraordinary, selfless woman and the consummate Christmas Eve hostess who found joy not only in her church and in her family, but also in her many friends, her Chicago Cubs, her pets, birds, flowers and holiday decorating. Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Frederick O. Buhler; loving daughter Elizabeth (Brian) Nelson; dear sister, Thora Jean Rhode; and was the favorite “Auntie named Karen” to all her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her adoring brother, Robert L. Barney. Karen’s spirit and love of life will be carried on by her cherished granddaughter Amelia. From the moment Amelia was born she was the center of Karen’s universe and her greatest joy. Not only Amelia, but every person whose life was touched by Karen will feel the void left by her passing. Her wit, her laughter and her holiday cookies will be sorely missed.
December 9, 2020 – 12:00 pm cst