Obituaries
Obituary for Karen Cecelia Abbott
KAREN CECELIA ABBOTT, 83, formerly of Fulton, IL, peacefully left this world on October 15, 2023, at The Alverno in Clinton, IA.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Church of the Open Door in Clinton, IA, officiated by Rev. James L. Machen, Sr., retired pastor. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 18th, also at the Church of the Open Door. Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton. The family kindly requests that donations be made to Focal Point Ministries in Karen's memory.
Karen was born on December 6, 1939, in Clinton, IA, to Francis Cornelius "Connie" and Elsie Morsing (Gertsen) Ketelsen. She was raised and educated in Clinton, attending the local grade schools and graduating from Clinton High School in 1958. On January 2, 1960, she married her childhood sweetheart, Harold Richard "Dick" Abbott, who preceded her in death on November 8, 2006. Throughout her life, Karen wore many hats and touched the lives of countless individuals. She was the co-owner and operator of Cottage Pastry in Fulton, leaving a sweet legacy in the hearts of all who enjoyed her cakes and encouraging words. Karen also served as a Director of Love, Inc. in Fulton and worked as a receptionist at Pathways Counseling in Sterling, IL. She enjoyed serving as hostess at Rastrelli’s. Her dedication to her community was unwavering, as she also held the roles of Director of The Pregnancy Center in Clinton, IA and, lastly the Senior Center in Fulton.
Karen was a woman of faith and prayer and a devoted member of the Church of the Open Door in Clinton. She was particularly passionate about her involvement in church groups, where she led Bible studies and led children to the Lord through Covenant Keepers. Her commitment extended beyond the walls of the church as she actively participated in various community organizations, including the Fulton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Operation Pride, the River Bend Education Foundation where she developed the 3.0 Awards Dinner Night. Her two favorite awards are when she and Dick were named Grand Marshalls of the Dutch Days Parade and the Fulton Homecoming Parade.
Karen's special interests ranged from supporting her grandchildren's numerous activities to going on a missionary trip to China. She was a skilled cake decorator, receiving numerous awards for her talents. But above all, her family was her greatest source of pride and happiness.
Survivors include her two daughters, Dixie (Robert) Shaff and Connie (Scott) Hoffman, both of Fulton; her two sons, Roy (Kim) Abbott of Fulton and Ron (Claudette) Abbott of Thomson, IL. Her legacy of love continues through her thirteen grandchildren, David Shaff, Tom Shaff, Mary (Jared) Brewer, Jacob Hoffman, Samuel Hoffman, Jesse (Amanda) Abbott, Ben (Katie) Abbott, Christine (Nate) Johnson, Ronda (Trevor) McComb, Katy McCray, Crystal (Stella) Abbott, Aaron (Alisha) Abbott and Cecelia (Logan) Dodd; also fifteen great-grandchildren, Noah, Dessie, and Keziah; Lauren and Harper; Hadley and Sadie; Rebekah, Ellie, Joanna and Kayleigh; Dean; Alex, William and Juliette. She is also survived by her sister, Diane (Louie) Reed of Clinton; her brother, Mike (Janet) Ketelsen of Clinton, and one sister-in-law, Emily Ketelsen of Albany, IL; many nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Dick; one grandson, David Shaff; one great-grandson, Noah Brewer and one brother, John Ketelsen.
Her legacy will forever remain a testament to the power of love, faith, and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
18
Oct
4:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Church of the Open Door
816 13th Avenue North
Clinton, IA 52732
Service
Thursday
19
Oct
10:00 AM
Church of the Open Door
816 13th Avenue North
Clinton, IA 52732
Cemetery Details
Location
Fulton Township Cemetery
701 Fowler Rd,
Fulton, IL 61252
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