Karen Lois Kuhl

God's secret shopper reviews are in: Karen Kuhl's life merits a 5-star rating.

Karen Loyet Kuhl, 73, of O'Fallon, Ill., passed away Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 in BJC Hospice at Memorial Hospital in Shiloh, Ill., after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis.

If you know Karen, you love Karen. And only you know how she checked all of your personal boxes as a loving mother, grandmother, friend, co-worker or just someone lucky enough to meet her and experience her kindness along her journey.

Karen was born on November 4, 1952, in East St. Louis, Ill., the daughter of the late Julia (née Abert) and Kenneth Leonard Loyet. Karen was preceded in death by her sister Lynn Loyet. 

Karen is survived by her husband Patrick Kuhl of O'Fallon, Ill.; her brother Steve (Connie) Loyet of Venice, Florida; her sons Nathan (Tomomi Sawada) of Ballwin, Mo.; and Adam (Katie) Kuhl of Oakville, Mo.; and three grandchildren Jacob Kenneth Kuhl, Samuel Blake Kuhl and Joseph Patrick Kuhl.

Karen graduated from Triad High School in 1970, and from St. John's School of Nursing in Springfield in 1973 as a Registered Nurse. Karen married Patrick Kuhl on July 6, 1973, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, Ill. She worked as an RN at hospitals in Corpus Christi and Austin, Texas, for 11 years. Karen put her career on hold to raise her family and moved to O'Fallon, Illinois in 1984. Karen later worked for years as a nurse for Heartland Hospice.

After responding to a newspaper ad for a secret shopper to rate a local fast-food restaurant, Karen took on more and more challenging assignments to turn secret shopping into a career. Karen eventually traveled around the United States and internationally, writing critiques and reviews of hotels, restaurants and casinos.

Most of all, Karen cherished her family. Her sons and their families considered her their hero. Karen loved their visits, especially their coming to her house every Sunday for meals, which she cooked with love. Karen loved to see and interact with her grandchildren.

Karen was a great cook and frequently made meals for neighbors and friends. She liked to play games and entertain friends, and became fast friends with everyone she met.

As a nurse, Karen was compassionate and caring. Co-workers and many patients became friends for life.

Karen loved to travel, which she did often for her career as a secret shopper. Some of her best times were taking Caribbean cruises with her family and her brother and sister-in-law. She traveled abroad several times with her dear friend, Melanie Steen.

Karen will be deeply missed by her family and remembered with love and gratitude. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children's - St. Louis or to the charity of the donors choosing. 

Visitation will be held at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 West Washington Street O'Fallon, Ill., on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 4 - 7pm.

The Nurses Honor Guard of St. Louis will honor Karen at 10:45 am and a Memorial Mass will begin at 11 am, Thursday, March 5, 2026 at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross Street, O'Fallon, Ill., with Rev. James Deiters presiding and Rev. Bill McGhee concelebrating. Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to mass at church. Following Mass, Karen will be laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Blackjack, Illinois. A remembrance lunch will follow at church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Wolfersberger Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.