11/14/2025
Karen Marie Bellot, 63, of Joliet and formerly of Flanagan, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet. She was born September 1, 1962 in Pontiac, the daughter of Orville and Helen Kruse Rients. She married Mark Bellot on June 8, 1985 in Flanagan. He survives.
She is also survived by four children, Audrey (Andrew) Johnson, John (Susan Hawkins) Bellot, Allison (Spencer) Williams, and Jennifer Bellot; four grandchildren, Scarlett, Theodore, Calvin, and Mabel; and a brother Alan (Susie) Rients. Also surviving is a stepsister, Diane (Steve) Hammond and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a daughter Emily in infancy, a stepbrother Larry (late wife Dee Dee) Hassinger, and her in-laws, Gene and Carol Jean Bellot.
Karen was a 1980 graduate of Flanagan High School. She later received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University. She worked for many years as a pre-school teacher with the Joliet Park District. Previously she worked as a nanny and as the office manager for the Joliet Elks for five years. In addition to being a member of the Elks, she volunteered with the Girl Scouts for many years as a troop leader for her daughters, service unit manager, and most recently at the council level. She loved being a grandparent the most. She also enjoyed music, especially musical theater, shopping, attending craft shows, and traveling, specifically taking road trips with friends. She was a member of St. Petri Lutheran Church in Flanagan.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 18th at 10 a.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac. Visitation will be Monday evening, November 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Odell.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Support Center in Mokena.