Karen Rose Kuban

Karen Rose Kuban (née Dombroviak) Age 83, of Essex, IL, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026, at her residence on her son Daniel’s Birthday. Born March 8, 1943, in Joliet, IL, Karen was the daughter of Walter and Gertrude (née Carpenter) Dombroviak. She graduated from Lockport Township High School with the Class of 1961 and always enjoyed getting together with her former classmates. On May 15, 1971, she married Stephen Kuban at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Crest Hill on the opening day of walleye season, a date Stephen surely never forgot. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage. Karen began her career as a switchboard operator for Illinois Bell in Joliet and later worked various part-time secretarial jobs. She went on to work as a receptionist for Rovanco in Joliet, where she remained until her retirement. She was a member of the “Walker Talkers” with the Godley group and enjoyed reading, painting, planting flowers, and baking. Karen was known for her Herman, cookies, and deviled eggs. Her homemade spaghetti sauce was a family favorite and something she always took the time to make from scratch. Store-bought sauce simply wasn't an option in Karen's kitchen. She was also an avid Elvis Presley fan. Karen enjoyed going out for breakfast with her family after church. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her family and friends. Surviving are her husband, Stephen; three children, Daniel Joseph (Jacqueline) Kuban of Joliet, Andrew Richard (Lisa) Kuban of Lombard, IL, and Jaclyn Rose (Albert Kruse, son Connor) Gregory of Mazon, IL; five grandchildren, Daniel Joseph Jr., Matthew Stephen, Alexander James, Amelia Elizabeth and Nicholas Andrew; one brother, Kenneth (Janice, deceased) Dombroviak of Homer Glen, IL; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Christopher Michael. In accordance with Karen’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home and Crematory in Braidwood, IL. A memorial service honoring Karen’s life will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Karen’s name may be directed to Uplift Care Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Karen’s online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336 www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com

Karen Rose Kuban

March 8, 1943 - August 28, 2026

What We Do

Local Florists

Contact Us

About Us

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Karen Rose Kuban

March 8, 1943 - August 28, 2026

What We Do

Local Florists

Contact Us

About Us

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support