Karen E. Younggren

Karen Younggren ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria on Mar. 17, 2026.Karen Elaine (Eagelston) Younggren of Peoria, IL passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the age of 83 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.She was born in Peoria, IL to Mary Elaine (Groetzinger) and Eugene Eagelston on November 18, 1942. Karen attended St. Cecilia's grade school and graduated from Academy of our Lady in 1960. She attended St. Francis School of Nursing, graduating in 1964. She worked as an RN at St. Francis Medical Center from 1964 to 1972, and later as an RN for George J Best, MD.Karen married R. Oliver Younggren on September 13, 1969 at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Peoria, IL. Karen and Ollie adopted their daughter, Amy, in 1972, and welcomed their only grandchild in 2009.In 1995, Karen and Oliver moved to Palm Desert, CA. Karen loved the sunshine and warm weather. She was active in the community, volunteering at the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, the kindergarten at Las Palmitas Elementary School in Thermal, CA, and as an usher at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in LaQuinta, CA. In 2020, the Younggrens returned to Peoria to be closer to family.Karen is survived by Oliver, her husband of 56 years, her daughter Amy Cusack of Peoria, one grandchild, and her sister Diane (James) Turek of Cincinnati, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary Elaine and Eugene Eagelston and brother Robert Eagelston.Funeral Mass will be on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM with Fr. Stephen Willard officiating at Resurrection Mausoleum Chapel. Internment will follow Mass in Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria, IL.Donations in Karen's honor can be made to St Vincent de Paul parish.Tributes and condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.