Karen Sue Drennan

Danville - Karen Weller Drennan, 86, of Danville, Illinois, died Sunday, August 17th at her home with family.

Karen Sue was born at home in rural Bismarck on December 2, 1938, to Harold and Leona (Goldman) Weller. She joined five brothers, and never lived down the story from the oldest, who had to run down the road to call the doctor when she was born. When he got to the neighbor's, Mrs. Steinbaugh saw him in the snow and said, "Jack, where are your shoes?"

Karen's childhood was spent playing in the creek and climbing trees. She began going to Bismarck First Church of Christ at the age of 10 and remained associated with the congregation throughout her life. She loved her years at Bismarck schools, built by her grandfather, who was the master brick mason. She graduated from Bismarck Township High School in 1956.

She married Gerald Drennan in 1957 and they had four children. They later divorced but remained friends. She shared her life with partner Mike Mains from 2005 until his death in 2019.

Karen belonged to Lambda Tau Delta philanthropic sorority for over 25 years, serving as both local branch president and national president. She enjoyed time with the '56 Lunch Bunch, and was a Illini Basketball fanatic.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her adored daughter Lori Nern; brothers Jack (Betty), Harold Jr. (Reva), Bill (Dorothy), Dick (Nadeane), sister Sheila Bieritz; great-granddaughters Alex and Zoe Deery; and beloved son-in-law Mark Bader.

She is survived by three children, Julie Bader, Troy (Jana) Drennan, Kristi (Jim) Wagle; son-in-law Jim (Sandy) Nern; her brother Kenny (Janet); her grandchildren Erin (Randy) Ewoldt, Laura (Paul) Connell, Adam (Steph) Bader, Ashley (John) Deery, Katie (Matt) Nagel, Parker (Ella) Drennan, Lauren (Patrick) Weigand, Zac (Kelly) Wagle, and Justin (Alexis) Wagle; and 14 great-grandchildren, Isaac & Luke, Josephine & Penelope, Claire & Henry, Sawyer & Max, Abby & Nolan, Aubrey & Connor, and Sadie & Lacey.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Inurnment will take place following services at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 1-2 PM prior to the service on Sunday, also at Sunset in Danville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Please join Karen’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.