Karen Ann Spring
Karen Ann Spring, age 72, of Quincy, died on Sunday, February 21, 2021 in Blessing Hospital. She was born on August 22, 1948 in Quincy, the daughter of Albert ‘Butch’ & Evelyn R. (Heckenkamp) Jansen. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1966 and Jewish Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO in 1970.
Karen met John Spring from Rock Island as he was attending Quincy College and they later married in 1968 at St. Boniface Catholic Church. He survives.
Karen worked as a registered nurse for Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and Blessing Hospital in the operating room. She then became the regional manager for Nutrisystem. She spent the last 20 years of her career as a public health nurse at the Adams County Health Department in infectious diseases, specializing in HIV/AIDS. She was a pioneer in educating the community about diversity and inclusivity.
She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a long-time member of the former St. Boniface Catholic Church. Karen also enjoyed going to St. Louis on an occasion to pray with the Pink Sisters.
Karen’s greatest joy was her family. Whether it was a weekly family dinner or annual travels to Charleston, SC and St. Simons Island, GA, or spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks, she loved her family time. “Nina” will be greatly missed by all.
In addition to traveling, Karen loved to shop and read, all while enjoying a good café latte. People gravitated towards Karen because of her candid, but fun-loving personality and joy for life. Karen enjoyed her community and was a gracious first lady during her husband’s tenure as Mayor for the City of Quincy. Karen knew no stranger.
In addition to her husband, Karen is survived by her children: Stacey (Andrew) Staff of Quincy, Joshua (Cindy) Spring of Frankfort, KY, and Michael (Brooke) Spring of Milwaukee, WI; her grandchildren: Sarah, Jack, and Michael Staff; Albert Spring; and Caroline and Olivia Spring; her siblings: Jeff (Melissa) Jansen and Diane (Joe) Fennesy; and a nephew, nieces, and other relatives.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents.
The family thanks Dr. Karthik Koduru, Dr. Adam Reyburn, CNP Jane Peterson, and their teams for Karen’s care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately and interment in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Albert and Evelyn Jansen Scholarship at the Quincy Notre Dame Foundation.
Mom & I send our condolences to all of Karen’s family & friends. Karen was a kind, caring & giving person who appreciated life & fought desperately to stay with her family. As a child I remember having fun sleepovers with my cousin. Later Karen & I both chose nursing careers. She was a funny, gracious & welcoming hostess at our family gatherings. Karen will be missed by all of us.
Stacey, Andrew, and family, Sounds like Karen was a joy to all who knew her! We are praying for your comfort during this time.
With sadness and sympathy to Kurt and Karen’s family. I have fond memories of Karen in high school, and a few get togethers over the years. She was always fun and engaging. Karen was dedicated to her career as a public health nurse and her recounts of her community involvement in the field were interesting and impressive. God bless you.
John & Family, Sorry to hear about Karen. You were good neighbors. There are no.comforting words to take away your pain. Hold on to the memories.
we are so sorry to hear of karens passing.she gave a good fight. take care of yourself.
Our deepest sympathies go to Karen & Kurt’s family & friends. Anyone who witnessed her struggle recognized the toughness & determination she had her entire life. We miss her already. But her mark on us all is indelible! Gary & Donna
Thoughts and prayers to the family. So sorry for your loss.
To the entire Springs and Jansen family our thought and prayers are with you. Our morning Mass at QND will be for Karen
Prayers to the family. She was a very nice lady. May she fly high with the angels!!! God bless and comfort the family.
I send my condolences as you grieve the loss of a remarkable lady
John, Stacey, Mike and family.
Very sorry for your loss.
Eternal rest Karen.
Chaplain Mark Wiewel
Blessing Hospital
John and family , I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all during this sad time.
John, Diane and jeff, Janice and I give our sincere condolences. I remember my cousin Karen with fond memories. My she rest in peace.
Don
Very sorry for your loss.
Stacey, John, Jeff and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful lady!
She will be in my prayers.
John, My prayers are with you and your family. I probably know what you have gone through the past couple of years. Karen is now at peace with Jesus. I am thinking of you.
Kent
We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and family – Karen is home with Jesus. What a great thought! May this bring peace to you at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a great woman and will be waiting for the rest of her family in heaven. I can just picture her smile.
John, so very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Rest in the Peace of the Lord dear classmate. Dale… QND-CB class of ’66
John and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
Karen was always my favorite cousin. It hurts to know she is gone but knowing she is in a place alongside her mom and dad and grandparents. Karen you had a wonderful life and family. We will miss you. Condolences to John and the rest of the family
Dear John,
Many prayers for you and the family
I’ll have a mass for the repose of her soul.
Paul K. Geers
Pres. Latin mass Society of Quincy/ Historic St. Rose of lima.
Sending our thoughts and prayers so sorry for your loss
We have lost a wonderful lady! Sending all of you our thoughts and prayers. Lois and Gene
Jack, So sorry for your loss. Jeff Winter
Extending my sincere sympathy to Stacy and family.
My thoughts are with you at this time. Karen was such a beautiful, kind, and fun person.
My thoughts and prayers go out to John, and the Family. Jeff, to you as well. God Speed & Rest in Peace.
My prayers are with each of you. Karen was a very classy lady. She always made you feel important. She will be miss so much but please take comfort in knowing she is dancing in the streets of Heaven with no pain. My God Bless you each.