Karen L. Axley

Karen L. Axley, age 79, died suddenly on June 12th. 

She was born in Rockford on October 18, 1943, to Markus and Edna (Krause) Honl. She grew up in Rockford and graduated from Muldoon High School in 1961. She graduated from Marquette University in 1965 with a degree in Physical Therapy. Her first job was at Swedish American Hospital and Karen became head of the Physical Therapy department a few years later. After eight years Karen moved into the private sector of Physical Therapy. She worked at several clinics and eventually ended up at Orthopedic Rehab Specialists. Karen loved her job and retired four different times but kept coming back. She was a therapist for 43 years. Karen loved golf and played in the women leagues at Muah Nah Tee See for 30 years.

Her survivors include husband, Richard Axley; brother, Denny Honl; sister, Julie O’Leary; brother- in- law, Paul Axley; sister-in- law, Marcia Clabough; nephews, Charles Clabough, Drew Clabough, Peter Clabough, Paul Axley Junior; nieces, Sarah Aschenbach, Mandy Curtin, Makayla Mulholland, and Peyton Honl; great nephews, Kyle Clabough, Caleb Clabough, Andrew Aschenbach, Alex Aschenbach, AJ Clabough, Caleb Curtin; great nieces, Courtney Clabough, Ava Curtin; aunt, Irene Hamen;  and numerous cousins. 

A private funeral service will be held for family members and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Share memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com