Karla Lou Eames, 68, of Mendota, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. She was born December 17, 1955 in Mendota, IL, the daughter of Stanley and Corrine (Schlesinger) Rosenkrans.
Karla graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1974. She graduated from University of Illinois in 1978. After college, she started working at Del Monte in Mendota where she met the love of her life, Harlan Eames. They married on March 28, 1981 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Compton, where she was a lifelong member. She served her church in numerous ways, including chairing the altar committee, serving funeral luncheons, parish team, W.E.L.C.A., reading in worship, as well as many other church activities. After Del Monte, she became a paraprofessional at Mendota School District 289. She volunteered with the N.I.C.E. Center in Lee as well as the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry. Karla enjoyed baking, gardening, and canning from the garden. She had numerous entries in the Tri-County Fair over the years, winning many ribbons along the way. She would do anything for her family, especially the kids and grandkids. She could always be found at their numerous activities.
Karla is survived by her husband, Harlan, of Mendota; children, Brandon (Charlotte) Eames of McHenry, IL, Brett (Christine) Eames of Spring Valley, and Mike (Jovana) Eames of Compton; three grandchildren, Eliana, Aliya, and Michael; brothers, Loren (Mary Jo) Rosenkrans of Nampa, ID and Daryl (Lisa) Rosenkrans of Paw Paw; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Karla is preceded in death by her parents and father and mother-in-law, Howard I. and Myrtle “Beth” Eames.
Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Monday, August 26, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 398 Church Road, in Compton.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Interment will follow in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Contributions in Karla’s memory may be directed to the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry or the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Please visit www.tormanfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book.
Comment *So very sorry to hear about this great loss! So sad, Karla was such a sweet lady and will be missed by many! Sending love, hugs and prayers to you Harlan and family! May she rest in peace in the kingdom of heaven!
Comment *What a loss of a very kind, friendly lady. Her smile was contagious. She will be missed by many..
Karla and her grandson sat next to us at the reptile program at the library a few weeks ago. She told me all about her children and grandchildren. We ran into each other at the grocery store all the time. Karla was one of the smartest people I know. I worked with her at Northbrook School. She loved working with the student. I’ll miss her and think of her often.
Linda Olson
Such a kind, gentle person! District 289 staff & students were fortunate to have Karla work among us. Such a sad earthly loss. Enjoy Heaven, Karla! Prayers of COMFORT for Family & Friends
Comment *We are saddened by tour this huge loss in our family. Karla was always easy to talk to and I’ve always enjoyed our time together when we gathered for Eames events. She shared her special jams and it was always a pleasure to have you two stay at our home when you traveled to Minnesota. She loved her family and always enjoyed sharing her joyful memories she had throughout life with her husband Harlan, children, and precious grandchildren. Karla will be missed by so many. A beautiful soul who was taken too early. Our prayers and love are sent to you Harlan and your whole family. Always remember her love and memories she shared with all of you. May Karla rest in peace knowing she spent her time here on earth doing good things for others.
Comment *Sincere condolences to Harlan, family, and friends of Karla. I got to know her while working at District 289 where she was a valued staff member. May Karla rest in peace.