Karen Lewis Lanter

Karen Sue Lewis Lanter, 59, of Swansea, Ill., passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 14, 2026.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of giving. She was the dedicated Executive Director of StL HELP (Health Equipment Lending Program), where she worked tirelessly to care for her community. She was proud of her work and known for being organized, motivated, and deeply committed to helping people in need. She was devoted to being a steward to St. Louis through volunteering with the Spirit of St. Louis Women’s fund and St. Louis Council for Charitable Gift Givers.

She attended St. Albert the Great Catholic Grade School in Fairview Heights and was a 1984 graduate of Collinsville High School. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from Washington University in St. Louis and her Masters degree in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.

Karen was a loving mother, sister, and devoted daughter. Her family meant everything to her. She loved to go on cruises, travel, and dive deep into her spiritual beliefs. Classic rock was the soundtrack of her days, leading her to dance with joy wherever she went and was quick to point out an interesting fact or nuance about the subjects she loved so dearly.

She is survived by her mother Patricia (Shevlin) Hill; her daughter Anastasia (Staci) Lanter; Samuel Hoskins (Staci’s fiancé); her brothers Billy Lewis and Michael Lewis, and her sister Rachel Wright; her beloved dog, Harry; as well as aunts, cousins, and many friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her father Ray Lewis, step-father Robert Hill, and grandparents Lorene and Billy Shevlin and M.B. and Mary Lewis.

Karen’s kindness, dedication, and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew her and she will be sorely missed.

In keeping with causes that were meaningful to Karen, memorial donations are suggested to: StL HELP at https://www.stlhelp.org/

Share a memory, view a photo tribute, or message the family at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Visitation will be 5 - 8 pm, on Friday, May 22, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, Ill. and 1 hour prior to Mass at church on Friday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 am, on Saturday, May 23, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 505 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, Ill., with Fr. Carl Schrage presiding.

Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, 5000 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights, Ill.

A celebratory luncheon will be held approximately 12 pm at the VFW at 221 West 1st St., O’Fallon, Ill.