In loving memory of

Karen Ann Michels
July 5, 1958 - May 17, 2020

Karen A. Michels, 61, of Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2020, at her home.

A private family memorial service celebrating Karen's life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A PUBLIC MEMORIAL VISITATION will be held from 3 to 7 P.M. on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Due to COVID 19, social distancing guidelines will be followed with only 10 people allowed in the funeral home at any time. PLEASE SHARE MEMORIES WITH THE FAMILY. SEND A VIDEO MEMORY AT: Send Hugs for Karen Ann Michels

Karen Ann Swedberg was born on July 5, 1958 in St. Peter, Minnesota, to Robert Perry and Kathryn Berniece (Wick) Swedberg. She grew up in St. Peter and graduated from St. Peter High School and then attended Mankato State University. She married Randy Michels on July 16, 1988 in St. Peter, Minnesota.

Karen was a homemaker and had owned her own cleaning business for several years, worked for the Country Mart in Andrew, and as a waitress.

She liked playing tennis and had qualified for the state tournament while in high school. She enjoyed attending her children's events, was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan, elephants, and listening to all kinds of music.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Randy Michels of Andrew, IA; children, Lucas Michels of Anamosa, IA, Adam Michels of Delmar, IA, and Tyler Michels of Delmar, IA; a brother, Gary (Colleen) Swedberg of St. Peter, MN; a sister, Kris (Ron) Vorwald of Worthington, MN; father-in-law, Kenneth Michels; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Colleen and Steve Cloos, Sandy Klocke, Roxanne and John Ray, Lois and Tim Cahill, Kevin and Cindy Michels, Jamie and Tammy Michels, Amy and Ray Grimm, and Jodi and Matt Neiber; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Kathy Swedberg, her mother-in-law Orva Mae Michels, brother-in-law Steven Michels and a sister-in-law Kristy Michels.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Karen Ann Michels memorial fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Gayle Derner wrote on May 27, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy. Will always remember her."

Bonnie Browne wrote on May 24, 2020:

"So sorry to hear of Karen\"s passing. She was a great lady. Always full of fun when I saw her. She cleaned the office where I work for several years. Loved running into her at Walmart and having a good visit. Thoughts and prayers for her family."

Shannon Michels wrote on May 23, 2020:

"I\'m sorry to hear about Karen... she was a great full of life happy go lucky aunt ... my condolences and prayers to y\'all. I\'m sorry. "

Julie wrote on May 22, 2020:

"I am saddened to learn of her passing. Karen was a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers for your family. Jonas & Julie Keim"

Rita Schmidt (Titman) wrote on May 22, 2020:

"Randy, very sorry to hear about Karen. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. "

Joanne Derner wrote on May 22, 2020:

"So sorry to hear about Karen. I remember her in school as being a very energetic happy person. Our sympathy\'s to her family."

Joann Vaughn wrote on May 22, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss. Prayers and blessings to you all."

Marianne Kisor wrote on May 21, 2020:

"I am saddened to hear about Karen\'s passing. She was a school friend of mine in St. Peter. Karen always had a smile for everyone. God bless. Marianne Kisor"

Sue Luker Prax wrote on May 21, 2020:

"My deepest sympathies to your family. Karen was a friend of mine growing up. May her light shine on forever. Sue Luker Prax"

Nicole Leach wrote on May 21, 2020:

"God bless you all during these tough times. We are deeply saddened to hear of your great loss. Hugs to you all. -Nicole, Olivia and Julia Leach"

Jay and Nancy McWherter wrote on May 21, 2020:

"Randy and family. So sorry for your loss."

Joyce Woods wrote on May 20, 2020:

"Randy sending Prayers to you and Family for your Loss. Much Love To you and Family. James & Joyce Woods "

Karenlynn Hodgden-Hurt wrote on May 20, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed Karen\'s smile and friendliness. "

Leigh and Adam Sagers wrote on May 20, 2020:

"So sorry for your families loss, Karen was such a loving and caring soul and will be missed deeply. Leigh and Adam "

Brenda DeMoss Groves wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Luke We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your mom Rest in Peace. "

Vickie Woods wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Randy and family, my deepest sympathy on your loss. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers!"

Mike Marshall wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Randy, Sorry to hear about Karen. We are thinking about you and praying for you and your family. If there is anything you need, please let me know. "

Wanda Kingery wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Sending sympathy and prayers for everyone. ????? Randy and Wanda Kingery"

Lori Millwright Ganzer wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Randy, Luke, Adam & Tyler - We are so saddened for your loss of Karen. She was such a sweet, bubbly, loving soul and enjoyed the time we spent with her. Know that we are thinking and holding you close in our hearts while you try to work through this. Hugs - Zip & Lori"

Paulette Wagner wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Randy, you, the boys and extended family are in my prayers as you work to find a new way of life with the loss of Karen. Hugs to all of you during this challenging time. God gives us life and challenges to face along the way. Whether we are faced with a challenge or the one supporting those being challenged, God is with us. Remember we are never alone. And Karen was blessed with the opportunity to journey into a place that is full of beauty and joy; and I am certain her smile is lighting up the heavens. My deepest sympathies as you continue your journey on earth during these trying times! Paulette"

Bobbi Wells wrote on May 19, 2020:

"I am so sorry to hear this my heart goes out to you and the boys will keep you in my prayers"

Rita Reuss wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Randy, sorry to hear about Karen ,my thoughts and prayer are with you and family"

Mike Till wrote on May 19, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers."

Anne hamann wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy and family, Roger and I send our sincere condolences for your loss. The angels are rejoicing! May she rest in our Lord?s eternal peace. God bless you on your difficult journey. The Hamanns"

Michelle (Muhlhausen) Thines wrote on May 18, 2020:

"So sorry for your families loss. Prayers are with all of you at this time."

Stefanie & Kelly McCombie wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy, Luke, Adam and Tyler... so saddened to hear about Karen?s passing. I remember all of our fun times together, hanging out at softball games and at Michels holidays. She will always hold a special place in my heart. May God guide you all on the days ahead. Hugs! Stefanie, Kelly, Brady, Zach, Alexis, Cam, Karley, and Chase."

CHERYL HARTWIG wrote on May 18, 2020:

"RANDY AND ENTIRE IM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS"

Sarah Ransom wrote on May 18, 2020:

"I love her so much. Auntie Karen always made time for me and made me feel special. I will miss her smile and her hugs and the way that tears came to her eyes when she was so very happy or proud of you. Love to all the Michels men, please stay in touch. ??"

Sean Pauls wrote on May 18, 2020:

"I always remember the year I bowled in bellevue and we would always stop at Randy and Karen?s place to pick him up. She was so happy and would always make sure we had everything we needed before we go bowling. I will never forget it. You will be missed. Loved that smile. To Randy and the boys I am so sorry. Prayers to you all."

Jackie cram wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Deepest sympathy to her family"

Angie & Jeff Kilburg wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Deepest sympathies Randy and family. Hugs and prayers. ?"

Carl Etting wrote on May 18, 2020:

"I\'m so very very sorry to see the news Randy."

Jay and Cathy Hawthorne wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Sorry for your families loss Randy. "

Joe Helmle wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy, I?m so very sorry for your loss bud. My thoughts and prayers are with you, the boys and the entire family. You have my deepest sympathy sir. ?????????"

Bonnie Amhof wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys! Ron and Bonnie"

Kevin and Maryann Kutsch wrote on May 18, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss."

Stanley Gonner wrote on May 18, 2020:

"I so sorry for your loss Randy. Will keep you in our prayers."

Darel and Jeanette Felderman wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy and family so sorry for your loss. Darel and Jeanette"

Carrie Theisen wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Deepest sympathy to all"

Cindy Casel wrote on May 18, 2020:

"So sorry Randy ,boys and family for your loss you have my sympathy "

Mark & Myrna Grosskruger wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Karen always had a smile on her face and was so kind to us. She will live on in your hearts forever. Our sincere and deepest sympathy to you. "

gary and colleen wrote on May 18, 2020:

"We will miss auntie Karen, sister Karen, and so sad for you all."

gary and colleen wrote on May 18, 2020:

"We will"

Kelly (Stannard) Krambeck, Mitchell & Logan Stanna wrote on May 18, 2020:

"I am so sad, Karen was always so much fun to be around and a great neulighbor. Im so sorry and sending hugs to the family!"

Roxy and John Ray wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy,Luke,Adam and Tyler! You guys have our deepest sympathy. Karen was a happy go lucky woman. She will be missed by all of us!! Hugs to all of you. If you guys need anything I am here. Take care and love you guys! "

Tracy Laughlin wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy, Luke, Adam and Tyler, I am so sorry for your loss! Karen was a wonderful friend! I absolutely loved the time we spent together! I will miss her dearly! We are here if you need anything! "

Lois Cahill wrote on May 18, 2020:

"There isnt enough words I can say to describe this women. She was fun, loving and very helpful in every thing she did. She always had a smile on her face. We love you Karen and you will be missed. Prayers to Randy, Luke, Adam and Tyler. We love you and if you need anything let us know. HUGS"

Jessica mang wrote on May 18, 2020:

"So sorry for your guys loss. I loved her sooo much. She is going to be missed. Love Jessica mang "

Jaclynn Stonehocker wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy, Luke, Tyler & Adam. I\'m so sorry for ya\'lls loss! She was always a fun sweet lady. Sending love to you guys!"

Renee Wagner wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy, Luke, Adam, and Tyler. We are so very sorry for the loss of Karen. Just know you guys have a huge support system to help you through this. Please let us know if you need anything. Love, the Wagner family"

Bri Fagan wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy, Luke, Adam and Tyler, I?m so sorry you are all going through this. It isn?t an easy time but know we are all here for you!! Karen will he missed by many!! Love you all! Adam, Bri and Carter "

Missy wrote on May 18, 2020:

"Randy, Luke, Adam & Tyler -- we are so very sorry for your loss. Karen will always hold a very special place in my heart. Rest in Peace, Aunt Karen. Much love, hugs and prayers to and for you all! Love Missy, Sean and family"