Karen L. (Fredman) Gruden, age 73, of Wheaton, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023 following a long illness. She was born February 7, 1950 in Elmhurst, Illinois to Boris and Evelyn Fredman.

Karen grew up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and attended Glenbard West High School, graduating in 1968. She then attended Bradley University in Peoria, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in art. For several years she worked as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. After living for some years in Chicago she relocated to Wheaton raising her two children, Tanner and Taylor.

Karen was a talented artist and designer. She later pursued studies in graphic design and eventually went to work for Bank Administration Institute as an art director for their trade magazine "Banking Strategies"
It was at this time in 1998 that she met her future husband, James (Jim) Gruden, also of Wheaton. They were married in September of 2000 and enjoyed each other's love and companionship up to the time of her passing.

Karen had a kind, exuberant and beautiful spirit. She was a person of strong Christian faith and enjoyed sharing her love of God and the Bible with others. She was a source of encouragement to many. Even in a time of tragedy, she persevered in her faith never losing her confidence in God's love and grace. In January of 2004 she lost her beloved daughter Taylor (Ehlers) in a tragic car accident. In time, when some might lose hope, her faith became even stronger and in 2022 she completed and published a book through Redemption Press entitled "Never Alone: A Journey of Healing through the Power of God." The book has been very well received and an inspiration to many. In her years after retirement Karen enjoyed traveling with her husband and spending time as a loving grandma.

Karen is survived by her husband Jim, son Tanner (Cindy) O'Connell and granddaughters Kinley and Kyrie, her step-children Elizabeth and Andrew Gruden, her sister Pam (Larry) Johnson, her niece Brooke (Neil) Brown and nephew Andy Johnson.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, January 7th at Hultgren Funeral Home in Wheaton from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 5:00 p.m.