Karen D. Cratty, 65, of Galesburg, died at 7:08 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2020 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
Karen was born August 16, 1955 in Galesburg, the daughter of Max Gerald and Marilyn Joan (Phillips) Boynton. Karen married Michael E. Cratty on July 15, 1978 in Galesburg. Mike preceded her in death on March 12, 2012. Karen is survived by one daughter, Debbie Cratty of Galesburg; two sons, Sean (Emerald) Cratty of Lake in the Hills and Mark (Taylor) Cratty of Galesburg; her mother, Joan Boynton of Galesburg; and five grandchildren, Hailey, Michael, and Hannah Cratty and Elise and Logan Cratty. Karen is also survived by two brothers, Kevin (Jean) Boynton of Rothschild, WI and Kraig Boynton of Galesburg; one sister, Kristy (late, Steve) Johnson, of Galesburg. Along with her husband, Karen was preceded in death by her father and an infant sister, Rhonda.
Karen graduated from Carl Sandburg College with an AAS in accounting. She worked at Gates Rubber Co. for several years and was a show hostess for Home Interiors, prior to joining her husband at Cratty Insurance. She worked as Mike’s secretary for several years eventually becoming an agent and running the business after Mike’s passing. Karen also worked as a realtor for Century 21 in Galesburg.
Karen was active in her community. She was a longtime member of PEO Chapter MG serving as treasurer. as well as being active in the HOPE Group. She and Mike were active at Costa School while their children attended. She clerked many auctions that Mike auctioneered and could always be found assisting Mike for his numerous charity auctions. She was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and past member of the Women’s Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. Karen loved to host people at her home including most family holiday’s. Her door was always open no matter what. She was a caring, compassionate woman and was mother like to many. Karen was a proud past member of the GHS Marching Band and enjoyed playing in many different Bunko groups. Most of all, Karen was proud of her family and was now a proud Mimi to her five beloved grandchildren.
The rosary will be prayed at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with visitation following 3 to 7 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks, social distancing, and limited occupancy will be observed. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Father William T. Miller will officiate. COVID-19 restrictions will be in place. The funeral mass will be live streamed at http://www.facebook.com/watsonthomasfh. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Karen’s memory to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Costa Catholic Academy, or to the Discovery Depot. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
