Obituary: Karen Brock (née Andrews)

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Karen Brock (née Andrews)

Karen Brock (née Andrews) was born on May 6, 1949, in Joliet, Illinois. She spent time living in Michigan and Texas, but Joliet always called her home. She passed away in Joliet on September 14, 2026.

Karen was the proud mother of nine children, Kenneth Andrews, Michael Andrews, Mark (Sueann) Andrews, Lisa, Wayne, Amy Brock, Amanda (Jim) Gilbert, Charles (Jennifer) Brock II, and Christi Alexander. Karen was also a grandmother to Kenneth (Molly) Andrews Jr., Matthew Andrews, Adrianna Andrews, Gabriella Andrews, Mark Andrews Jr., Christopher Andrews, Joey Andrews, Alex (Libby) Freer, Andrew Brock Youngblood, Charles Brock III, Lilly-Ann Brock, and Phillip Lee II. Then came her great-grandchildren; Jace Freer, Lucas Freer, and Mia Andrews; sister to, Diane (Peter) Habath, Dorothy Fonte, and Barbara Frost. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins survive.

She was preceded in death by her oldest sons, Kenny and Mike, whom she loved, missed, and carried in her heart every day. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Gordon Andrews and Beverly Cline; siblings, Patty, Jackie, David, and Gordie.

Her grandchildren lit up her world. She loved them fiercely and was always happiest when she was spoiling her grandkids and helping them to be mischievous. She was the kind of grandma who made memories that her grandkids will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

If you knew our Mom, you knew her dark sense of humor, sarcasm, and wit. When she learned that her baby brother had passed a few weeks before her, she said, “He jumped the line.”

She wasn’t perfect. She never pretended to be and rarely “gave a fat rat’s a**” what people thought or “a skinny rat’s a**, either!” She was strong-willed, outspoken, funny, loving, completely her own person, and she encouraged her kids to be the same.

She left an impression on everyone who knew her, and there is no doubt that her absence will leave a space in our family that can never truly be filled.

Mom, we hope you are finally at peace and reunited with Kenny and Mike. We hope Elvis is singing, Agatha Christie has new stories, the coffee is hot, and you finally get to enjoy a cup that no one put anything in.

We love you, Mom. Until we meet again, your kids.

Per Karen’s request, cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home in Joliet.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute page at fredcdames.com, where those wishing to honor Karen are encouraged to share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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