Jane Anne Karsten

Jane Anne Karsten, age 85, of McHenry, IL, and formerly of Crystal Lake, IL, passed away peacefully at Journeycare Hospice in Barrington, IL on January 28, 2026. She was born September 29, 1940 in Elgin, IL to her loving parents, Paul and Betty (née Newberry) Nicklas.

Born and raised in Carpentersville, Jane graduated from Dundee High School, Class of 1958. It was there she met the love of her life, Dale, whom she married on February 28, 1958. Together, they raised four children and built a loving home until Dale’s passing in October, 1978, after twenty years of marriage.

Jane was known for her kind heart and steady presence, qualities that shone through in her work as a beloved “lunch lady” at Cary-Grove High School, where generations of students fondly knew her as “Mrs. K.” Later, she worked in the underwriters department of Kemper Insurance in Lake Zurich, IL for 18 years before retiring in 2003.

Outside of work, Jane found joy in her garden and took great pride in her beautifully kept yard filled with colorful flowers. She was an avid collector of porcelain dolls, which she lovingly displayed throughout the seasons after moving to Heritage Woods Assisted Living Facility in McHenry, IL. Her festive, doll-themed decorations became a cherished tradition and brought smiles to many.

A die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, Jane was overjoyed to see her team finally win the World Series. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a long-standing member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

Jane will be remembered for her quiet strength, sense of humor, and the loving presence she brought to all who knew her.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Karsten; daughter, Lori, on April 12, 1983; son, Scott, on June 29, 2024; and sister, Donna Jurs. She is survived by her daughters, Sally (Frank) Pace and Carol Taylor; daughter-in-law, Lynn Karsten; four grandchildren who were her greatest joy; brother, Ken (Carla) Nicklas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be 10:30am until funeral service at 12:00pm, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2107 Three Oaks Road, Cary, IL 60013. Rev. Zac Patterson will be officiating.

Interment to follow at Windridge Memorial Park, 7014 S. Rawson Bridge Road, Cary, IL 60013.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jane’s name to Shriners Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Final arrangements entrusted to Kahle-Moore Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-639-3817.

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