Karen M. Rozycke, nee Rist, 77, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. She was born September 19, 1947, in East St. Louis to Raymond and Irene, nee Bartosik, Rist.
Karen began her career as a keypunch operator in the early 1970s and continued working in the computer industry as a computer operator for General American Life Insurance, which later became Metropolitan Life, until she retired in the early 2000s. She was known for her warm smile, gentle spirit and the ability to make everyone feel welcome.
Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandsons and grand-dog Maci whom she loved to spoil! She was overjoyed to welcome her first great–grandson, Hudson who was born on May 31, 2025. Hudson has a beautiful guardian angel always looking over him and our family. Karen loved playing games and especially enjoyed the always very spirited Left, Right, Center (LRC) dice game with her family! She enjoyed spending time with family, shopping, reading a good book and working in the yard. The legacy of her kindness and love will live on in the hearts and lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Irene, nee Bartosik, Rist; her sister, Nancy Deffenbaugh; and her brother, David Rist.
Karen is survived by her son, Richard (Jill) Rozycke of Freeburg, Illinois; three grandchildren, Derrick (Madelyn) Rozycke of Smithton, Illinois, and Brett and Tyler Rozycke of Freeburg, Illinois; a great-grandson, Hudson Michael Rozycke; two sisters, Debby (Michael) Taylor and Janis (Robert) Brutto; a brother-in-law, Keith Deffenbaugh; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children (PTOEC), a participant of Illinois Special Olympics, or a charity of donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
A celebration of her life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Silver Creek Sports & Social, Belleville, IL.
