Karen Kay Tasker, 79, of East Galesburg, Illinois, died at 2:31 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, surrounded by her loving family.
Karen was born November 20, 1946, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Frank and Mildred Fern “Millie” (Effland) Metelka. She graduated from Spoon River Valley High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s in business education from Western Illinois University. Karen was united in marriage to Robert Eugene Tasker at the First Lutheran Church on June 24, 1972, in Galesburg. Bob preceded Karen in death on November 13, 2018.
Karen is survived by her children, Amy (Ed) Ponce of Normal, Illinois, and Garrett (Erin) Tasker of Cuba, Illinois; and her five beloved grandsons, Andrew, Benjamin, and Matthew Ponce, and Paxton and Maverick Tasker. Karen is also survived by one sister, Marla J. Dade of Galesburg; and her good friend who was like a sister, Donna (Terry) Wignall of Mapleton, Illinois.
Karen taught high school for many years, starting in Galesburg, later working in Abingdon, and retired from Valley High School in 2006. Over the years, Karen also taught the GED Program at Carl Sandburg College. Growing up going to church, Karen remained faithful throughout her life. Karen loved her family deeply and enjoyed spending holidays with them. Whenever possible Karen could be found supporting her children’s and later her grandson’s activities.
Visitation will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. Burial will follow at East Midway Cemetery, London Mills, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.