Karen Kay Albeck

Karen K. Albeck RACINE-Karen Kay Albeck went to meet with her Lord peacefully during her sleep early in the morning on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at her home. Karen was born to Carl and Kay Albeck on October 1, 1948. She is the older sister of Lynn Albeck Szabo. Karen was in the graduating class of 1966 from William Horlick High School and resided in Racine all her life. She was a life-long member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church, was active in the Democratic Party, was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and served many years in the Exchange Club of Racine. As a young woman, she worked as a legal secretary for the office of Dennis D. Costello. She completed majors in English and Sociology at UW-Parkside, and a Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision from UW-Milwaukee. Karen started her 30-year career in education with the Racine Unified School District as an English teacher at Gilmore Junior High. Subsequently, she worked as an Individualized Education Coordinator at J.I. Case High School, using her background in sociology to provide structure and future planning for at-risk and special needs students. She advanced her career by becoming Supervisor of Student Services, District Coordinator for Section 504, which included being Principal of the Juvenile Detention and County Jail Education Program. In 2003, she retired from her active career to serve as full time caregiver for her mother. Her selflessness in providing a safe and comfortable home in Kay’s final years was a tremendous blessing to her family. Following Kay’s death, Karen returned to work in a ‘green’ industry, Plasma Technics, Inc. She resumed an involved and service-oriented lifestyle as a trustee for the village of Mount Pleasant, advocating for fiscal responsibility. Karen is remembered for her kind and caring heart, and generous, giving nature. She valued family connections and traditions, and always welcomed visiting relatives and friends. Surviving are Karen’s sister, Lynn (Joe) Szabo of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and her beloved nephew and niece, Peter Szabo of Arlington Heights and Lisa Szabo of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and many relatives, cousins, colleagues and close friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be at Sturino Funeral Home, on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, and will continue on Wednesday at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 2000 West Sixth Street, from 10:00 AM until service at 11:00 AM. Services will be conducted by Pastor Mark Doidge and Rev. Morris Vaagenes of St. Paul, Minnesota, dear cousin of Karen and Lynn. Karen will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery immediately following the church service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Karen in a special way may direct memorials to Holy Communion Lutheran Church or a charity of one’s choice.

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Karen Kay Albeck

October 1, 1948 - December 30, 2015