Karen D. Shults-Kupferer

Karen D. Shults – Kupferer, 62, of Kankakee, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, September 15, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on January 16, 1961, in Peoria the daughter of Icy Donley and Loyd Shults. On April 16, 2016, she married Pastor Teacher, James R. Kupferer. Karen enjoyed football, gardening, and church. Most of all she loved spending time with her family & friends. She last worked as a Store Manager at a local Casey’s. Karen is survived by her husband, Pastor Teacher, James R. Kupferer; two sons, James (Tammy) Plue and David Plue; six grandchildren, Dominick, Tyler, Madison, Jordyn, Gabrial, and Nathaniel Plue; 3 great grandchildren, Kevin, Roscoe, and Oscar. With her beautiful marriage to James, she also leaves behind three more children, Kendall (Marcus Jensen) Kupferer, Kyle (Amanda) Kupferer, and James Kupferer; grandchildren, Camren, Aubry, Marley, Zoe, and Ryder. She also leaves behind her siblings, Loyd (Becky) Shults, Brian (Aggie) Shults, Brenda Girard, Troy (Linda) Shults, Dorothy Bundy, and Jeanetta Cooper; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and her two beloved dogs, Max and Sassy. Karen is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Kevin, Delbert, and Byron Shults; as well as many others who were dear to her. She fought cancer for many years and never gave up. We believe God needed her to do more beautiful things for him, with him. Visitation will be held September 22, 2023, at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee from 1pm until the memorial service at 3pm with Pastor Diane Epting officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Throne of Grace Ministry, P.O. Box 474, Aroma Park, Illinois 60910.