Karen J (Sjostrom) Pettygrove

Karen June Pettygrove, 76, of Capron, IL passed away on Friday, June 18, 2021, with her family by her side, holding her hands at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL.

She was born May 18, 1945, in Belvidere, IL, the daughter of the late Milferd and Junice (Goodyear) Sjostrom.

Karen loved her family more than life itself. She met many of her dearest friends during her time working and socializing in the Garden Center and as a lead cashier at Menards in Machesney Park. Bowling was her true passion.

She also loved watching WIFR 23 TV, Price is Right, Bold and the Beautiful, Young and the Restless, and Guiding Light. She was a huge Elvis fan. Most importantly she always looked forward to attending any special event or activity particularly those that included her grandchildren.

Karen was an extremely compassionate and caring person. She took pride in her home, family, and her flowers. She loved Boston Terriers, watching the Packers, the Cubs, and QVC’s In the Kitchen with David. She was an avid Boone County Fair enthusiast, and Christmas was her absolute favorite time of the year. She has left an enormous mark in her families lives that will be cherished and remembered forever.

On October 21, 1966, Karen married James Earl Pettygrove in Carlsbad, California.  They spent many years loving each other before he preceded her in death on September 18, 1995. She was also preceded in death by her loving parents, Milferd and Junice.

Survivors include her children Deborah (Joe) Muzzillo; Tracey Trimble, and Christine (Del) Wade.  Deemed “Sauce” by her four grandchildren, Jordan, Madysen, Hunter, and Sophie, they were her entire world, along with her four-legged best friend, Frankie.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St. Harvard, IL 60033. Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. Interment will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Harvard, IL.  A Celebration of Life to follow at The Twisted Tulip; 7901 Burden Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115.

The family would like to thank the entire team at Swedish American Cancer Center, specifically Dr. Schulz, Dr. Maeza, and lab technician, Dan. Additionally, the family would like to share a heartfelt thank you with Kari Binski for providing friendship and care these past 2 months. A very special thank you to Dr. Kahn, and the CCU nursing staff at Swedish American Hospital for the love and respect that was shown to her and her family in her final hours.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

For more information call the funeral home at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen J (Sjostrom) Pettygrove, please visit our floral store.