Karen Kay Parker

Karen Parker, 75, passed away December 31, 2016. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation on Sunday, January 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. and the funeral service on Monday, January 9 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Waukee Cemetery.

Karen was born June 2, 1941 in Avoca, Iowa to Laura (Pritchard) and Arnold Ackart. She married Gary Parker on April 15, 1961. Karen was a lover of children and animals and adored her grandchildren. There were always children in her home. Karen was a great cook and known for her “Grandma’s Buns”. She was also a talented seamstress and crafter.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Parker; children, Debora Parker, Donna (Larry) Riedel, Deanna (Scott) Spry, Dan (Lisa) Parker, and Dave (Kelsey) Parker; 12 grandchildren, Alan (Stacy) Laake, Susie (Matt) Nelson, Ellie (Ricky) Woltjer, Laura (Tom) Laake, Sarah (Jon) Denney, Megan Riedel, Chris (Nat) Laake, Morgan, Brock, Abigail, Bryce and Ira Parker; and 7 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Tristan, Alexis, Caelan, Zach, Braxton, and Scarlett. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Laura Ackart; siblings, Dorothy Mikkelson, Betty Parham, Arlene Landon, Mary Boeck, Harry, Levi, James and Francis Ackart; and grandson, Joey Laake.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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