Karen L. (Sorensen) Temples

February 12, 1955 - June 20, 2022

Karen L. (Sorensen) Temples, age 67 of Oakland, IL went to be with the Lord at 11:30 PM, Monday, June 20, 2022, at her residence in Oakland, IL. A funeral service in her honor will be held at 12:00 PM, Friday, June 24, 2022, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. George Edwards will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Oakland Cemetery in Oakland, IL. The visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Karen was born on February 12, 1955, in Phoenix, AZ the daughter of Donald Glen and Norma Jeanne (French) Sorensen. She married Wayne S. Temples on April 5, 1980; he preceded her in death September 5, 2004. She is survived by one son, Jared F. Temples of Oakland, IL; one grandson, Keaton Johnson Temples of Charleston, IL; one stepdaughter, Brenda Temples of Oakland, IL; one brother, Steve F. Sorensen and wife Lynea of Scottsdale, AZ; two sisters, Pam J. Jordan and husband Jim of Mattoon, IL; Kathy A. Slater and husband Tom of Cooks Mills, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one stepson, John W. Temples. Karen dedicated her career to the State of Illinois Department of Public Aid in Charleston, IL and was the owner and operator of the Iron Gate of Oakland, IL. She was a past member of the Oakland Park District and Oakland Chamber of Commerce. Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, FL were like second homes to Karen. She loved swimming and would search for hours to find the perfect seashells. Her home held many containers of her selected shells along with the precious memories made while collecting them. Karen treasured her many vacation trips with Jared and Keaton. Watching Keaton turn into the fine young man that he is today was one of her greatest achievements. She put her life, heart, and soul into assuring that they enjoyed life. While traveling, Karen brought much joy and happiness to her closest friends and enjoyed bingo-ing and bunco night. A person could always find her sunning, swimming, and smiling in her own backyard pool. She loved the sun and she truly brought sunshine to many lives. She will be greatly missed. Per Karen’s wishes, donations can be made to First Farmer Bank and Trust of Oakland, IL in care of Karen’s Grandson’s College Fund. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.