Karen Johnson

Karen J. Johnson, age 77, passed away on February 15, 2024 at University of Chicago Medical Center. She was born in Duluth, MN the daughter of Orville and Hazel (Peterson) Blegen. She married the love of her life, Grant Johnson in May 1998. They spent the next almost 26 years building a beautiful and loving life together. She attended City First Church in Rockford with her family when she can. Karen was a huge animal lover and especially loved her cats. In her spare time; she enjoyed watching her soap operas and occasionally drag racing. She was a big San Fransisco 49er’s and liked to cheer them on all season. But, more than anything Karen loved her family. Being with them brought her more joy than anything else. She is preceded in death by her parents, sons, Dale Blegen and Michael Swick, and siblings, Duane Blegen and Beverly Moliter. She is survived and missed by her loving husband, Grant of Byron; children, Stuart (Anna Marie) Swick of WA; Greg (Erica Robbins) Swick of Machesney Park, Samantha (Robert) Riley of Rockford, and Amber (Brad) Johnson of Rockford; siblings, Herman (Sharon) Blegen of WA, Ronnie (Carol) Blegen of WI, Ordean (Dotty) Blegen of WI, and Sandy (Steve) Finch of Loves Park; grandchildren, Stephanie, Christina, Heather, Lindsay, Stuart III, Shane, Kyle, Heidi, Bryant, Sierra, Jesse, and Emma; and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday February 23, 2024 at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Byron with Molly Bowen officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service.