Karen Lynn Winquist

Karen L. Winquist (Van Draska), born on March 15, 1943, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 at her home in Rockford, Illinois, on February 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and children.

Karen was the beloved daughter of Lynn W. and Charlotte M. (Dolan) Van Draska and a lifelong resident of Rockford. She attended Jackson Grade School from kindergarten through sixth grade beginning in 1948, Lincoln Middle School for grades seven through nine, and graduated from East High School in 1961.

Karen dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She graduated from the Rockford School of Practical Nursing in 1982 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and went on to serve her community for 28 years in the medical field. Her career began at Alden Alma Nelson Manor, continued at Valley Clinic and Southridge Immediate Care with Dr. Schoenwald, then with Dr. White, and later at OSF. There, she eventually became a Practice Manager and even assisted with the interior design of the OSF Rock Cut facility.

Following her retirement, Karen continued to serve her community by volunteering at the OSF Rock Cut facility and later at OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital, where she remained dedicated to helping others through 2025. Karen truly loved being a nurse and touched countless lives through her compassion, dedication, and genuine care for others.

Above all, Karen cherished her family. She found her greatest joy in time spent with her husband, Wayne, whom she found true love with and married on August 16, 2014. Together, Karen and Wayne loved cooking, traveling, spending time with their friends and their little dog, Charlee, and spending winters together with family and friends in South Carolina, creating countless memories filled with laughter and companionship. She also found great joy in time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She treasured her lifelong friendships, from kindergarten through high school, her game-night Mahjong friends, and the many doctors, coworkers, and patients she met along the way. Her warmth, kindness, and steady presence left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Karen is survived by her husband, d. Wayne Rupp, of Rockford, Illinois; her children, Brad (Sally) Winquist of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Brian (Tanya) Winquist of Rockford, Illinois, and Kirsten (Ben) Benson of Lockport, Illinois; her brother, Jack (Meridee) Van Draska of Bloomington, Illinois; and her niece, Erin Van Draska, and nephew, Tyler Van Draska, both of Bloomington, Illinois.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kayla (Eli) Clark of Kalispell, Montana, Jenna (Andy) Colombe of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Jamie Winquist of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, David Winquist of Salt Lake City, Utah, Karalynn Winquist of Rockford, Illinois, Timothy Winquist of Freeport, Illinois, Courtney (fiancé Austin Day) Benson of Minooka, Illinois, and Kaylee Benson of Bridgeport, Illinois; and her great-grandchildren, Creston and Evie Clark of Kalispell, Montana, and George Colombe of Pewaukee, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lynn W. and Charlotte M. (Dolan) Van Draska.

The family of Karen extends their heartfelt gratitude to Trisha and Ray Becerra of Rockford for providing unwavering support, care, and love to Karen in her final days and the precious hours spent with us; to everyone who came to visit her over the course of the past two months; and to her head RN caregiver, Bridget, and her dedicated team from OSF Home Health & Hospice Care, for the compassion, kindness, and dignity shown to Karen and her family.

Visitation will be held on February 21, 2026, from noon to 1:00 p.m., at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Private family graveside services will follow at Scandinavian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to OSF Home Health & Hospice,9951 Rock Cut Crossing, Loves Park, Illinois 61111.

May her memory live on in our hearts until we are reunited in God’s perfect peace.