Karen Weishaupt

Karen (Baecht) Weishaupt, 84, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Karen was born on January 9 th , 1942, in Grafton, IL to Ed and Mary (Williamsmeyer) Baecht. She graduated from Jerseyville High School in 1960.

On May 28th, 1960, she married the love of her life, Jim Weishaupt. Together they had five children. David (Kim) Weishaupt of Brighton, Mark (Susan) Weishaupt of Elsah, Paul (Laura) Weishaupt of Jerseyville, Kelly (Vance) Miller of Delhi, and Eric (Tara) Weishaupt of Delhi. They were blessed with 18 grandchildren and 24 great Grandchildren.

Karen served as a school cook at multiple schools within the Jerseyville School District. This was a job that Karen loved. During those years, she had the opportunity to have several of her own grandchildren come through her lunch line, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Karen wasn’t just a grandma to her personal grandchildren; she often became a grandma-like figure to all the children in the school. Her love for littles was obvious in the way she welcomed every kid that walked into her home and loved them like her own instantly. It was well known that a crying baby could quickly be soothed by handing them over to Grandma as they would quietly nestle in and fall fast asleep.

Karen’s love for cooking was always shared with her family. Whether that was her famous potato salad for every family gathering, meatballs and coleslaw for the holidays, or cookies to snack on when coming for a visit, she enjoyed sharing her creations.

For Karen, her family was everything. She enjoyed the company of her many nieces and nephews that regularly popped in for a visit. Her five children were her pride and joy, and their presence was her happiness.

Karen is survived by her five children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Karen is preceded in death by her husband Jim, both parents, and siblings Ed “Brother” Baecht, Patsy Watson, and Mary Kahl.

Per Karen’s wishes, a private Celebration of Life will be held. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jersey CUSD 100 and in the MEMO please write “KAREN WEISHAUPT STUDENT LUNCH ACCOUNT ASSISTANCE”.

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville has been entrusted with arrangements. Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.