01/28/2026
Obituary
Karen Eklund Heil returned to her Heavenly Father on Monday, January 26, 2026, in St. George, Utah. Karen was born July 29, 1942, in Rosiclaire, Illinois to righteous parents, Melvin and Wilma Eklund. She was an only child growing up as her younger sister died at birth.
Her father was a diamond core driller, and his work took him to various parts of the world such as South Africa and Central America. Upon returning to the United States, he met Wilma Glover and after a brief courtship were married. After their marriage and birth of their first daughter, Karen, he spent most of his working career in exploration and core drilling in the United States. Subsequently, his work took him to many parts of the lower 48 and as result of this type of work, Karen was able to obtain great knowledge of this country and its people. Karen never met anyone who was not a friend. They travelled across the country and Karen was fortunate to live in 34 different states. As a child growing up, she attended many schools in the same year, which molded her into the person she was.
Karen had two children, Mickey and Lisa, from a previous marriage before she met the love of her life, Wilbert, who had three children, Kelly, Kevin and Kenneth. Karen and Wilbert were married in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and enjoyed forty-three years together. After two years of blissful marriage, Karen and Wilbert joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A year later their marriage solemnized for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.
Karen spent most of her working career as a cosmetologist and as a secretary. Among her hobbies were homemaking, cooking and baking for her family, travelling with the love of her life, boating on Lake Powell and watching old movies with her husband. Karen enjoyed being around friends and family as Wilbert had nine other siblings. Karen also enjoyed being around her grandchildren. From an early age she had a love of animals and enjoyed raising them. She also enjoyed working with handicapped children and serving on the legislative committee for the handicap in Salt Lake City, Utah.
As a member of the LDS Church, Karen had many callings and loved serving the Lord and the members of His church. Karen served in the Primary with the little children and in the Relied Society Presidency. She also served as a teacher in the Relief Society and as a visiting teacher. She also served in the library with her husband.
Karen is survived by her husband, Wilbert; daughter, Lisa of St. George, Utah; stepsons: Kevin (Stacey) of Henderson, Nevada, and Kenny of Loveland, Colorado; cousins: Charley Wicklund (Joyce) of Espanola, New Mexico, Lois Milhorn (Tom) of Elizabethton, Tennessee, Joanne Sherek (Rick) of Biwabik, Minnesota, Verner Eklund (Melinda) of Johannesburg, South Africa; and five grandchildren.
Karen was preceded in death by her mother and father; her grandparents; her mother and father-in-law; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles; son, Mikey; and stepson, Kelly.
Funeral services for Karen will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Morningside LDS 4th Ward Chapel, 930 South Morningside Dr, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held on Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Bonzo Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George Utah, and Friday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. prior to services at the chapel. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St, George, Utah.
