Karen Vanourek

Karen Vanourek, nee Unold, 81, of Chicago passed away on October 6, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Joseph O. Loving mother to Valeri, Vanessa, Victoria (Darius Bennett), and Joseph E. (Natasha Ruser). Karen grew up on the south side of Chicago, where she met her husband Joe. They moved north to Rogers Park, where they raised their family in St. Timothy parish. She lived a life of service by volunteering for organizations including St. Timothy Women’s Club, Misericordia and Evanston Catholic Women’s Club. She was an avid bridge player and loved playing Rummikub with family and friends. Her style, grace, generosity, kindness and counsel will be missed by many friends and family. A mass of remembrance will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Aloysius Stepinac Croatian Catholic Mission, 6346 N. Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660. A visitation with the family will be held prior to mass from 9:30-10:45 a.m. A livestream of the Funeral Mass is available at www.viewlogies.net/smith-corcoran/W47Up8071?pin=580035