Karen Johnson
January 24, 2016
Karen Kay Johnson passed away at her home Sunday, January 24th after a courageous battle with cancer. Karen recently celebrated her birthday with her loving family on December 9th and her 45th wedding anniversary on December 24th. Karen graduated as a non-traditional student from Grandview College in 1995, with a degree in Criminal Justice. She was very proud to share the same commencement ceremony with her daughter Shelley. Karen worked for the Social Security Administration until her retirement in 2006.
She was a member of Business Women’s Association and was the Clerical Federal Executive Council of Central Iowa Employee of the Year in 2003. She volunteered with Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services.
Karen was known for her generosity, quick wit, and sense of humor. In retirement, Karen lived a full life while enjoying her grandchildren’s sporting and school events, keeping track of her husband Charles, visits to Prairie Meadows with him for weekly live racing dates with dear friends, breakfast get-togethers, playing bridge, Saturday morning lady’s poker game, Terrace Hills Golf Course Women’s Association and various other golf outings in the summer, and developed a passion for genealogy. In her research she was able to trace the Johnson family to its participation as Patriot’s in the American Revolution.
Karen was the only child of John and Nellie Hecht who precede her in death. Karen is survived by her husband, Charles D. Johnson of Pleasant Hill; daughters Shelley Kunert (Jason) of Mesa, AZ, Julie Johnson, (Joe Thomas) of Altoona, son Brian Johnson, of Clive, one step-daughter Raeann Crawford (Thomas) of Indianola; five grandchildren, Alexis, Jackson, Kinsey, Karsten, Cooper, and four step-grandchildren, Jordan, Nicholas, Kaitlyn and Thomas.
There will be a visitation on Wednesday, January 27th at Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Altoona, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 28th at the Altoona Funeral Home. Burial will be at Rising Sun Cemetery, in Altoona.
In lieu of flowers/plants, the family requests that donations be made in Karen’s name to the Dr. Nick Palmer Jim Ellefson Free Medical Clinic, 1607 E. 33rd Street, Des Moines, IA, 50317
Karen will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Beth Reed Bishop
02/09/2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Karen was such a joyful woman. It is always hard to lose a mother! What special accomplishments Karen made.
Graduating with you, Shelley, must have been quite a wonderful occasion. I have recently read old DM Registers and came to Karen Johnson's obituary. This struck a memory from PH Elementary years ago where I was Shelley and Brian's second grade teacher. Both super kids with a super Mom! (You know super kids stand out in my memory.)
Shelley, I still tell the story of when you brought your finished assignment up to me at the reading table and I looked at it
and told you to do it over because I couldn't read it. It was messy, by my standards.
You took your paper back and looked at me and said, "You're a picky old teacher!" I replied,
"Shelley, I may be picky, but I'm not OLD!" I treasure that memory because I have been "picky" all of my life! My standards have always been the highest. And now I am still not OLD! Keep smiling and loving. Hugs,
Holley Drees
01/28/2016
I will miss Karen but I know that she is in a better place and pain free. It was a great great pleasure to know her and Charles. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
VOSC Staff, Mesa, AZ
01/28/2016
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Karen's family. We work with her daughter, Shelley, in AZ. Although we did not know Karen, we can only imagine how kind, gentle, and loving she must have been based on the wonderful daughter she raised. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janet Obley
01/28/2016
It was a pleasure to work with Karen at SSA. She was a professional but also a lot of fun. Karen's passing is a loss to all of us. My condolences go to Karen's family and to her many friends.
Travis & Toni Woodley
01/27/2016
We are greatly saddened to hear of Karen's passing. She certainly had many many friends and was absolutely delightful to know. I'm proud to have been a small part of her life through the friendship of my parents Tom and Linda Brooks. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Dueana Johnson
01/27/2016
My deepest sympathy to Karen's family and friends. I worked with Karen for many years at Social Security. She always had an encouraging word for me and was such a great person to work with no matter what the challenges were! She will be greatly missed.
Deb Denney
01/27/2016
Karen was the AA when I started at Social Security back in 2004; she was so kind and helpful to me, so funny and a really bright spirit! I remember I hadn't caught on fully to the sign in sheet, leave slips, etc, and she helped me, joking with me, "I'm a cranky timekeeper" so I would remember to cross all the "t's and dot all the i's" :) Sail on Karen; your sunset here allows the sun to rise on the other side-
Janelle & LeRoy Tassin
01/27/2016
Charlie & family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. If you need anything, we are just down the street.
Kathy, Brian, Kirstin and Zachary Oliver
01/26/2016
We are so sorry for your loss. Even though we know she is no longer in pain; it hard for those she left behind. Always remember the fun times together. I know my mom and dad enjoyed the Thursday horse races with everyone. And Kirstin and Zachary enjoyed the time we came to your house and had the hot dog cookout. They loved seeing Charlie's chickens. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Murl Thomas
01/26/2016
With love and sympathy to Karen's family: May your memories be a treasure and may they bring you peace. We will all miss Karen. She was as much family as my own sisters and brothers. We shall miss her very much.
Brian and Toni Breuklander
01/26/2016
Charlie and family,
Our thoughts are with you! We are so sorry for your loss.
Danny & Betty Thurman
01/26/2016
Charlie and family - We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Danny & Betty
Jerry Champion
01/26/2016
My sincerest sympathy to the Johnson family and Karen's friends. She was a treasure. Always witty, yet very down to earth. She possessed a great work ethic and a competitive nature. I know, from working with her for years and golfing with her on several occasions. Still, we always had time for a second (third?) Bloody Mary during the "back nine". I will miss her dearly.
Mary Avants
01/26/2016
My deepest condolences for the family. Karen was a great mentor and friend when I started at Social Security. She will be missed.
Cindy & Vern Sample
01/26/2016
Our condolences to the Karen Johnson family and friends...