Karlene A. Landowski

Karlene A. Landowski, 73, of Keller, Texas, passed away on April 16th, 2021. Karlene was born to the late Clara and Jack Elkins, Sr. in Derby, Kansas. She graduated from Derby High School and went on to receive a diploma in Fashion merchandising from Patricia Stevens Career College. Karlene continued her education at Highland Community College where she received her Associate of Science degree. In January of 1970, she married the late Tom Landowski in Wichita, Kansas. The couple lived in several cities: Minneapolis, Minnesota; Clearwater, Florida; and Brussels, Belgium. However, they called Freeport, Illinois home for over 20 years. After Tom's passing, Rako (as Tom loving referred to her) returned to her Kansas roots, living in Lawrence and Emporia, Kansas prior to moving to Keller, Texas to be closer to her son and grandkids. Karlene was a dedicated wife and stay-at-home mom. She also had a wide array of careers throughout her life. Many of her positions complemented her personal interests and skills such as her role as a buyer for a department store in Wichita, starting her own interior design business, and working in the jewelry department for JCPenney. She was also active in a variety of charity organizations and clubs including the Freeport Newcomers Club, Amity Follies, American Women's Club of Brussels and Recovery and Hope Network (RAHN). Karlene is survived by her two children: Tad (Holly) Landowski, of Keller, Texas; and Katie (Dan) Daugherty, of Yuma, Arizona. She is also survived by her three beloved grandsons: Andrew, Collin, and Taylor Landowski. She is also survived by sister-n-laws, nieces, nephew, and great nephews as well as countless close friends. Karlene was preceded in death by her loving husband in 2003, her parents, brothers Jack "JD" Elkins, Jr., and Brad Elkins. Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 18th 2021 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Deacon Kim Hemesath will officiate. With a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Internment to follow at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness charity on her behalf. Please sign Karlene's guestbook and share a remembrance at www.burketubbs.com Previous Events Visitation JUN 18. 1:00 AM - 2:00 AM (CT) Burke Tubbs Funeral Home- Freeport 504 N. Walnut Street Freeport, IL 61032 https://burketubbs.com Loading map Service JUN 18. 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (CT) Burke Tubbs Funeral Home- Freeport 504 N. Walnut Street Freeport, IL 61032 https://burketubbs.com Loading map