Karen L. (Bradley) Osterkamp

     Karen L. Osterkamp age 83, of Harrisburg, gained her wings at 9:55 PM, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado.

     Karen was born on April 18, 1941 to the late George and Amy (Hall) Bradley.  She married Lowell “Bud” Kelley on May 3, 1958 and had three children; daughter, Cheryl Creel and husband Tabby of Campobello, South Carolina; daughter, Sherry Perry and husband Oral of Pittsburg, Illinois; and son, Robert Kelley of Harrisburg, Illinois.  She then went on to marry James H. Stephenson on August 24, 1961 and had two children; son, Carl “Stoney” Stephenson and wife, Roberta of Harrisburg, Illinois; and infant son, James H. Stephenson II, that was stillborn at birth.  She later married Calvin Osterkamp on September 29, 2012.  With that marriage she gained three more children, son, Mark Osterkamp and wife Michelle of Weatherford, Texas; son, Matthew Osterkamp and wife Rebecca of Grimes, Iowa; and daughter, Susan Caraker and husband Chad of Columbia, Missouri.  

     Karen worked for many years as an LPN, as well as working at A.L. Bowen Center, and retired from Department of Corrections working at IYC in Harrisburg.  She enjoyed just sitting and looking out her window at the deer and coyotes, but she loved watching her hummingbirds. 

     Karen is survived by four of her children and three step-children, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and sister-in-law, Linda Bradley.

     In addition to her parents and three husbands, Karen was preceded in death by her infant son, James H. Stephenson II; son-in-law, Clarence Tabby Creel; sister, Grace Oliver; sister, Ivagene Stephenson; brother, Ronald Bradley; brother-in-law, William “Shorty” Oliver; brother-in-law, Carl “Red” Stephenson; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Bradley.

     Funeral services for Karen L. Osterkamp will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg. Rev. Darrell Ford will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM, Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Stricklin Funeral Home. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen L. (Bradley) Osterkamp, please visit our floral store.