Karen June Whalen

Karen Christensen Whalen, age 70 of Sweetwater, TN, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023 in her home. 

She was a member of UMC of Tellico and was retired from Walmart. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Karen owned her own lawn business, she also owned and operated Karen's Riverside Restaurant in Tellico Plains & co owned Whalen Home Improvement. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy Milo Christensen and June Wilbur Christensen; brothers, Allan Christensen and Ricky Christensen. 

She is survived by her children, Tracie (Jim) Kile, Angel (Rory) Russell, Eileen Whalen, Kathleen (Mike) Goca; 11 grandchildren, Noah (Caitlin) Kile, Jonah Kile, John Whalen (fiancé, Crystal Smith), Tiffany (Chris) Howard, Jesse Glosson, Robby Barger, Royce (Heather) Barger, Michael Goca, Andrea Goca, Mariah Goca and Phillp (Anna) Goca; 14 great grandchildren; sister, Robin Daniels; brother, Michael Christensen; several nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.