Karin Elizabeth Nordlander was born November 28, 1943 in Boden, Sweden to Ingvar and Ella Nordlander. Her childhood in Northern Sweden was important to her and she shared many fond memories including  skiing to school in the snow or helping her mother in the family restaurant. When Karin was 21, she was asked to be an Aupair for a family in Lake Bluff, Illinois and she moved to the United States. She immediately became ingrained in Chicago’s Swedish community and met lifelong friends. She also met the love of her life, David Lindgren, at Verdandi, a ‘club’ for Swedes. These two soulmates married on August 24, 1968. Karin and Dave welcomed their daughter Kristina in 1974. Karin loved being a mother and always made sure her daughter had what she needed and cheered her on in whatever she did. Karin also worked, mainly as a dental assistant, during this time. The dentists she worked for admired her as a hard worker and as a positive and personable presence in their offices. During the summers, the Lindgren family often had wonderful vacations at fishing resorts in Minnesota and went to Door County in the fall. Karin was also very involved with the parent group of her daughter’s Swedish Club, ‘ Forget Mej Ej’, a Swedish singing and folk dancing club whose objective was to preserve the Swedish heritage in the next generation. In Lake Zurich, Karin and Dave often welcomed people in their home for Karin's delicious meals. Dave's mother, sister and brother enjoyed these meals often, as did their dear friends and Kristina's friends. Several times, Karin's parents, Ingvar and Ella, were able to come to Illinois, and the family was able to visit Sweden together as well. 

Karin and Dave moved to Lake Summerset in 2003 after Dave’s retirement, and enjoyed many nice years near the lake. Karin met more wonderful friends in Lake Summerset and in her jobs as she kept working, as a dental assistant and in the Durand School District. The highlight of Karin’s life was the arrival of her three grandchildren during this time. Karin enjoyed hosting her grandchildren at the lake, creating memories with boat rides and picnics at the beach. In 2021, Karin and Dave moved back to Chicagoland, finding another fantastic community of people in Saddlebrook Farms in Grayslake.

Karin will be remembered for her love of her family, first and foremost. She was the best wife and mother. Her meaningful and unique relationship with each of her three grandchildren is one for the record books. Max, Greta and Klara Paschall will always know what it feels like to have enormous, selfless love given to them and the people in their life. Karin will be remembered as a kind and generous person. She made friends easily, and gave to them whatever she could. We will remember her love of cooking and baking, her love of all things Swedish, her ageless beauty, her love for dogs and cats, her vibrancy, her curiosity, and so many other things.

Karin is survived by her darling husband of 55 years, David, her loving daughter Kristina and her adored son-in-law, Dan, her treasured grandchildren, Max, Greta and Klara, her two dear sisters Gudrun Radahl and Gun-Britt Lambert, beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, her Swedish and Irish lifelong friends that are family, and many more loving friends from near and far. When we all think of Karin, Mom and Mormor, we will think of her zest for life and take each day as a gift and an opportunity to connect with those we love. 

A private family burial will take place on April 19 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. We invite our family and friends to a Celebration of Life on April 20 from 12-3 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 365 Surryse Rd, Lake Zurich, IL. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/karin-lindgren/obituary/

Copy