Karen D. Emry

Karen D. Emry of K-De’s Fabric in Streator passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at the age of 81.

Karen was born on August 21, 1943 in Joliet. She was raised by her mother, Doris Mae Antich and Stepfather, Harold Asbell. At the age of 5, she started helping her grandfather in the greenhouse and developed a love of gardening and flowers that carried through her entire life. At the age of 8, her mother became ill, and Karen started doing the cooking, laundry and watching after her siblings. As she got older, Karen started working in a restaurant and in time, she operated a restaurant of her own, The Panhandle Café in Morris. Eventually, she would marry one of her customers, Bill Emry, a millwright for Chicago Bridge and Iron. Together they travelled nearly all of the East half of the country fixing problems for Bills work. Some 30 years ago, they settled in Streator and Karen started her fabric business, K-De’s Fabric, on Broadway Street. After her husband Bill passed away in 2013, Karen met Bernie Jenkins in the bowling alley at the Elk’s in 2021 and they have been together since.

Karen enjoyed roller skating when she was younger, had become an avid golfer and enjoyed playing Bingo later in life. She had a passion for sewing, was an avid gardener and had an eye for colors.

Karen is survived by her best friend, Bernie Jenkins of Ransom; a son, Troy (Candy) Matter of Fort Madison, IA; two daughters, Julie (Pete) Mutuc and Nancy Matter, both of Boulder, CO; and three grandchildren, Claudia, Finn, and Sloane. She is also survived by four sisters, Patricia (Albert Pfaff) Greene, Cheri Asbell, Kimberly (Timothy) Gregory, and Jackie Bisping; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; and a sister, Barbara Viano.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the Streator Elk’s Lodge. Deacon Robb Caputo will officiate. Burial of ashes will be in Sample Cemetery in Rural Morris. There will be a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Wednesday prior to the memorial service at the Elks. Cremation rites have been accorded. Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.