Karen Johnson
January 24, 2016
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
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
Melissa Read
01/26/2016
Charlie, Shelley, Brian and Julie and all Karen's family,
Karen was a dear friend that I treasured. Our monthly get wine potlucks were so very special and full of such laughter, support and genuine friendship. I will have such wonderful memories from our nights together. You all have my sincerest sympathy.
Char Robertson
01/26/2016
So sorry for your loss. I will miss our Saturday morning breakfast talks. It was a great honor to have known Karen. She was a great friend. Loved to watch her playing cards. She was a great friend to all. My condolences to th family.
Mick & Lavona Webb
01/25/2016
Chuck, our deepest condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Diane Saylor Mohler
01/25/2016
Karen and I were raised almost as sisters. We roller skated, bowled, vacationed together, ate Gram Steklenberg's apricot upside down cake, went to Salvation Army functions, laughed and loved our times together. She will be sorely missed, but God chooses to take his angels when he needs them. I sincerely send my condolences to family and friends.