Service Details
The memorial service, celebrating her life will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, September 1st at 6:00 p.m., with Pastor Charlie Hansen officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers memorials should be directed to her family for her children.
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Miller's Flowers
Karen Jean Alvord, 72, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 in Racine, Wisconsin. She was born in Hibbing, Minnesota on July 27, 1949 to the late Robert and Jean (nee: Kniep) Swanson. Growing up, Karen spent her summers on Island Lake with her siblings, Roby and Ethel, where they would perfect the art of waterskiing from dusk until dawn. As a young girl, she made it her mission to advocate for the empowerment of women and girls. Karen had a profound faith in her Lord and lived it every day of her life. She would go on to become an invaluable member of the Girl Scouts of the USA and was later chosen to participate in the International Girl Scouts Roundup in Mexico City. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Carthage College where she graduated at the top of her class. Karen was a highly respected mentor to and advocate for disadvantaged women. She donated both her time and clothing to organizations like Dress for Success, a non-profit whose mission is to foster financial independence by providing professional attire as well as the necessary tools to successfully enter the workforce with confidence and personal agency. Her desire to encourage, motivate and empower all people was expansive, so much so that she became a highly-anticipated circuit speaker as well as a personal mentor to the truly authentic and beautifully diverse friends of Bill W. To those who had the privilege of knowing her, Karen’s mastery of the spoken word was unmatched. She spoke with urgency and intoxicating enthusiasm while always taking great care to point to and name the things that stir the human heart. Whether she was recounting in astonishing detail the major plot points of the movie, Cars, or speaking words of affirmation to those of us who once thought we were broken, the power of her voice was a thunderclap. This, along with every act of kindness and generosity—are seeds taking root in us all. Let them keep us in a state of perennial growth. Let them remind us that we are always becoming who we are.
“Start out with a positive affirmation. Just give her a try and let me know how that works. And above all, be good to you. Negative energy attracts negative energy. And do you notice that negative energy doesn’t even like to be around me? I’m not supposed to be a light; I’m supposed to be a laser beam. And you’ve got that in you, too.” –Karen Jean Alvord
Karen is survived by her loving daughter, Amber Alvord of Pekin, Illinois; grandchildren, Max, Macey, and Alex of Bellevue, Nebraska; sister Ethel (and Terry) Dowling of Stockton, California; sister-in-law, Bonnie Swanson of Caledonia; her nieces, Angie Flores of Racine, Jennifer Bruno of Kenosha, Elizabeth (and Sam) Modder of Racine, and Stephanie Rose Swanson of Burlington; nephew, John (and Leslie) Bruno of Boulder, Colorado; 10 great-grand-nieces and nephews, Breana (and Bobby), Anthony, April, Leaf, Forest, Audrianna, Alexis, Tristan ,Uriah, and Willa; 3 great-great grand-nieces and nephews, Lincoln, Ayden and Alhana, as well as other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her twin brother, Robert Swanson; Maxwell Alvord; nephew, David Flores and great niece, Amber Hetland.
Stephanie Swanson says
Aunt Karen will be missed she loved fashion and loved to buy things I loved eating Culver’s with her also gave her a hand massage And foot message and Facial massage she stayed at the villa i am really thankful for the cana’s,lpns,doctors,rns that took care of her and the receptionist thank you all
Kevin McCormick says
Karen was a star in a dark sky, an inspiration to me and someone who kept things real with anyone she met. I am fortunate to have met her.
My condolences to Karen’s family.
GILBERT MEDINA says
Karen was an inspiration to my recovery she always talk about her going to spend her Kohls coupons. My prayers go out to her family.
Shanah D. says
My condolences to Karen’s family. She was a beautiful soul. When she spoke everyone listened. Karen taught me that sometimes doing nothing is doing something. She will truly be missed.
Susan Todd-Raque says
We only met once but I know how much you were loved by your family. May you find peace and love wherever you are now, Karen. To your family, please know you are in my thoughts.
Cindi Heidke says
Karen was the brightest part of my days at the 4:30. Her hugs were healing and she always had just the right thing to say to make you feel better. I was always about you and never herself. I miss her terribly and always will
Jon Duke, Duchac says
The Journeys End
Do not fear my dear children I have left you for a time
But this stairway to Heaven I need no longer climb.
I have reached the end and my journey is complete.
How long I’ve awaited our Heavenly Father to meet.
Our Lord greeted me Himself with wide, open arms.
Now finally I am free from all worldly harms.
Dry the tears from your eyes you need no longer weep.
I am safe here in heaven with our Lord now to keep.
Do not sorrow or grieve that my journey is done.
Take up where I’ve left for yours has just begun.
With Jesus at your side do not fear, doubt, or dread
about what the future may hold or what might lie ahead.
I joyfully await the day when our Lord comes for thee.
Then together in heaven we always shall be.
Until that time comes you will not be alone.
I will be at your side til our Lord brings you home.
Rest in heavenly peace my friend and may your memory be eternal 🙏🙏🙏🙏
James Wagner says
A good soul who wanted you to feel good about yourself and how you mattered. A unique and blessed spirit that will be living on through many.
Coral Verhaagen says
Oh my gosh! I looked for her for years. I babysat Amber in Campbell, Mn. I am so sad i did not get in touch with her after she moved. I am shocked i couldn’t find her..I hope you get this Amber..so sad to hear this. Sadder yet i missed my chance to visit her. Loved her always.Miss her still.
Tori Schneider says
I attended Carthage with Karen. We were partnered together for a group project in one of our classes, and we graduated together. I was a commuter and Karen was one of the few friends I made at Carthage. I’ve always remembered her as a vibrant and friendly person who was ambitious enough to go back to school later in life. I’ve thought of her often in the last few years as I walked my dog past her old place on Washington and when I returned to school in my late 40s to earn my MBA, However, it wasn’t until tonight that I decided to try and look her up. I’m so sad I missed the opportunity to catch up with her. My condolences to her family.