Karen Ann Gabbert (nee Hamm), a resident of Arlington Heights, Illinois, for more than 46 years, passed away Oct. 17, 2025, at the age of 79, after a multi-year struggle with Alzheimer's. She was born Nov. 15, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, John, and daughter Kirsten (Geoff) Akens. Karen was preceded in death by her infant daughter Kiley, and parents Wayne and Angeline (nee Sisson) Hamm.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Arlington Heights. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Karen's name to the Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNDHYMMBXU , or the American Indian College Fund, https://engage.collegefund.org/page/77467/donate/ . For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com