Karen Powell was born on January 19, 1944 to Wilfred “Bill” and Irene Reed. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 8, 2022.
Her early years were spent in Estherville, IA, where she made many of the dear friends she has to this day. Upon graduation from high school Karen moved to Des Moines, working first for the Des Moines Register and Tribune and later for Northwestern Bell. After retiring due to disability in the early 1980’s, she moved to Phoenix, AZ, and resided there over 20 years. In 2006, Karen returned first to Spirit Lake, IA and then a few years later to Des Moines where she spent the rest of her life.
Anyone who knew Karen will tell you how strong and courageous she was despite being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her mid-20’s. She never gave in to her disease and was a constant source of inspiration to her family and friends with her strong will to “keep going” no matter the pain or discomfort. Karen always had a smile for everyone and loved her family and friends dearly. Her family used to tease her that she made friends wherever she went. She enjoyed board and card games, volunteering when her health allowed, chatting (she liked to talk!) and just being with her family.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers and sister, Billy, Joe and Katie; and her granddaughter, Chelsea.
Surviving and missing her greatly are her daughter and son, Tami Shipe and Andy “Cubbie” Powell (Beth); along with her grandchildren, Matt (Kaylie), Kaley (Steven), Marnie, Bailey, Madison, Earl, Kloe and Marin; great-grandchildren, Addison, Brettlyn, Sullivan, and Sophia; her much loved nieces and nephews; and many other truly wonderful friends and family members.
Services will be held Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA at 12:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at East Side Cemetery in Estherville, IA at a later date.
