Karen Lee Gonzalez

The Gonzalez family regretfully announce the passing of their beloved wife and mother, Karen Lee Gonzalez (Wilkinson) (Braaten). Karen passed peacefully surrounded by her husband Tony and son Carlos.

Karen was born in Iowa City, IA, from the union of her mother Grace Marie Muller (Braaten) and her father Eugene Wilkinson. She was raised in Moline, IL. She graduated from Moline High School Class of 1968 and attended Black Hawk College for 2 years.

Karen served 6 years in the US Air Force, she was a Vietnam Era Veteran and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After her military service, she came back to Illinois and worked in several jobs, including jobs on the Rock Island Arsenal. While working at the Rock Island Arsenal, she met and later married Tony Gonzalez who was stationed there serving in the US Army.

Karen loved studying her Bible, traveling, gardening, and caring for her family.

Karen is survived by her husband Tony, her son Carlos, her sister Nancy J. Otis, several nieces and nephews, and three stepsons from her husband’s prior marriage: Antonio, Marco, and Julio, that live in Huntsville, AL.

Karen was preceded by her mother, her father, and sister Susan McKnight.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Private burial arrangements will be coordinated by Esterdahl Funeral Home, Moline. Karen requested that in lieu of flowers, for her friends and relatives to make a donation to the 3ABN Ministry.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.