Karol Ruth Real Obituary (2026)

HENRY- Karol Ruth (Lopeman) Real, 82, of Henry, IL passed away peacefully Monday, June 29, 2026, at 7:53 pm surrounded by family at Country Comfort in Henry. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, July 5th, 5 to 7 pm, at Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry, IL. The rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 6th at 11 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Henry, IL. Father Pica will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Henry, IL. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Research. Karol was born on December 18, 1943, to Clifford and Virginia Lopeman. She married Bill Real on July 14, 1962, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Henry, IL. Surviving are her children, Thomas (Patti) Real, Gregory (Tammy) Real, Patrick Real, all of Henry; her grandchildren, Alllison and Jimmy Real, Brooke Heaton, Ashley Heaton, Cody Heaton, Shawn Roberts, Joe Roberts; two great grandchildren, Josie Kempf and Linden Roberts; three step great grandchildren, Sydnee Parker, Jaxon Parker, Bristol Ray Beck; her siblings, Phyllis Catton of Coral Gables, FL, Donna (Stan) Shanks of Henry, IL, Marty Mahowald of Redding, CA, Tim Lopeman of Lebanon, IN, Dan (Tina) Lopeman of Mount Juliet, TN, Gary (Robin) Lopeman of Chenoa, IL, Merna (Fred) Krietemeyer of Chillicothe, IL, Gloria Dunn of Putnam, IL, and many nieces and nephews. Her parents, Clifford and Virginia Lopeman, a sister Sandy Ziegler and Marsha, a brother Jeff Lopeman, one son Ronald Real, an infant daughter, brother-in-laws Steve Mahowald, Carlo Troia, and Russell Ziegler, and a grandson Bailey Real, preceded her in death. Karol was a member of St. Mary's Church in Henry. She retired as a secretary at Century 21 and worked at Shank's Jewelry for years. She had a special place in her home where she sat and loved to read her books. She enjoyed her daily walks that her and Bill did together. She also was a perfectionist at sewing. Anyone that needed, from the boys ripping out their jeans, to brides needing alterations; she was the one to call on. Karol also was dedicated to attending her morning Jazzercise classes with her good friend, Becky Palm. Karol was also involved in playing bridge with a few ladies who got together on a regular basis. She enjoyed spending time with her sisters going shopping on girls' trips, and at Christmas time her sisters and nieces would all get together and have a day of baking cookies. They had the best memories. Most of all her boys were her pride and joy. She truly lit up whenever they were present. She had such a special place in her heart for each of them. Karol would have been so proud of each of them, for how her last few months had declined and how they stepped up and took control of her care and so much love that they gave her during her most difficult days. Their love for her was unconditional and devoted to making sure she was well taken care of. Karol adored her grandkids. Her and Bill always made a point to attend any games or events that they were a part of. Allison, Jimmy, and Bailey were truly loved by the two best grandparents they could ever ask for. Karol's love for her husband Bill was forever and now they have been reunited in their loving arms together again in heaven where they both can rest in peace. Online condolences may be made at: www.calvertmemorial.com