Karen K. Dirksen

Karen Whitehead Dirksen, 68, Rockford, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2017, in her home. She was born September 19, 1949, in Rockford, the daughter of George and Eileen (McFarlane) Kraft. She was a 1967 graduate of Rockford East High School. Karen married Harold M. Dirksen in Davis Junction on October 30, 1993. She worked at Estwing Manufacturing for almost 30 years. The Dirksen family would like to give a special thank you to Transitions Hospice for the care they gave to Karen.
Survived by her husband, Harold; her children, Shane Whitehead of Rockford, Richard (Chrystal) Dirksen of Rockford, and Amy (Jamie) Cantwell of Freeport; her grandchildren, Brandon and Courtney Whitehead, Hope, Zoey and Sophia Dirksen, Skyler Dirksen, and Parker Cantwell; her great-grandchild, Landon Whitehead; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Predeceased by her parents, George and Eileen and her 2 brothers, Tim and Gary.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Burial in Big Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.