Karen Jean Wiltgen

Karen Jean Wiltgen, age 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 27, 2021.

Karen was born June 10, 1939 in Plover, Iowa to Earl and Irene Kerns. She grew up on the family farm in Plover and graduated from Plover High School. She was a Disability Claims Examiner for the Social Security Administration prior to her retirement. She enjoyed playing bridge and was in multiple bridge groups. She was an avid shopper and a member of the Red Hat Society. Karen loved to travel and had visited every continent. She was an Elvis Presley fan and had seen him perform many times.

First and foremost in Karen’s life were her grandsons. She thoroughly enjoyed being a grandmother and was completely devoted to Ross, Nicholas, and Blake. She treasured her time with them and they shared many wonderful adventures and made countless lasting memories.

She is survived by her step-son, Raymond (Alayna) Wiltgen and her beloved grandsons, Ross, Nicholas and Blake Wiltgen. Karen is also survived by her step-children, Elizabeth (Gail) Dahl, Jack (Susan) Castelline, Elise (Ed) Pilkington, Robert (Elaine) Castelline; brother, Eugene (Roxana) Kerns; sister-in-law, Vicki Kerns; and many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Castelline; her parents, Earl and Irene Kerns; brothers, Gerald (Barbara) Kerns and Roger Kerns; and sister, Earlene Kerns.

There will be a celebration of life on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service. Burial will take place at Powhatan Cemetery in Plover, Iowa at a later date. Masks are mandatory at the service.

Contributions may be directed to Special Olympics of Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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