Karen Heyen, 86, of Dorchester, Ill., died at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. She was born Dec. 24, 1935, in Carlinville, to Fieldor and Mary Catherine Murray Orr. She married Richard D. Heyen on Dec. 31, 1953, in Edwardsville. They were married for 68 years.

Karen was a graduate of Gillespie High School Class of 1953. She was a homemaker, receptionist for Weight Watchers and worked for Stemme Farm Equipment for 11 years. She was a member of the SS Simon & Jude Altar Society. She was an avid reader.

She is survived by her husband, Richard D. Heyen of Dorchester; children, Susan (Kent) Tarro of Gillespie, Anne (Dale) Gansz of Carlinville; grandchildren, Eric Tarro, Adam Tarro; brother, Alex Orr of Staunton; and niece, Amy (Mike) Callovini of Staunton. Karen was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Donna Orr; and nephews, Michael Orr and Phillip Orr.

Friends may call on Thursday, Aug. 18, at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Funeral mass will follow at the church at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Gillespie.

Memorials are suggested to Benld Public Library or Gillespie - Benld Area Ambulance Service. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanya funeral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie is in charge of arrangements.