Karen Anne Zeglin, 58, of Belleville, IL, born May 9, 1966, in Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully at her residence in the comfort of her family and her “second family” on February 25, 2025.
Karen lived a life filled with love and joy despite facing the challenges of Downs Syndrome.
For the past 33 years, Karen lived at Flash Estates (formerly Belle Manor) in Belleville, IL. Here she flourished in a home that was filled with love and respect among staff and residents. They treated her as their own. We are forever thankful to the staff, especially Claudia Rencher, for the care they gave to her. They were her “second family.”
Karen was known for her infectious laughter and kind heart, bringing light and friendship to everyone she met. She worked at S.A.V.E. and Challenge for many years. She participated in PTOEC, Special Olympics bowling, swimming, track and field, and gymnastics. She loved to dance and sing pop songs and musical show tunes.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Lynne (nee, Zeglin) Schwieger; her stepfather, Richard Hechenberger; and a stepbrother, Timothy Hechenberger.
She is survived by her mother, Barbara (nee, Molnar) Hechenberger (Belleville); a brother-in-law, James Schweiger; her “favorite” aunts and uncles, Mary (Joseph) Barteau, Michael Molnar, Mary Ann Swope, Nancy (Steve) Rueter, and Steve (Debbie) Hechenberger; her great-aunt, Loyce Williams; nieces and nephews, Kelsea (Benjamin) Ramsey, Jake (Danielle) Schweiger, Isaiah Hechenberger, Shenandoah Hechenberger and Benjamin Hechenberger; 12 cousins, Danielle (Paul) Steigerwald, Thomas (Haley) Barteau, Ann (David) Radil, Jason Swope, Nicole Hughes, Stephanie Francis, Tara Rueter, Thad Rueter, Brandon (Stephanie) Molnar, Matthew Molnar, Zachary (Rhonda) Molnar, Nathaniel (Nicole) Molnar; and a great-great-niece and great-great-nephew, Kenzlee and Kadan Ramsey.
The family would like to give special thanks to the Hospice staff for the wonderful care given to Karen.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Family Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2025, at St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2025, at St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
