"We were so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. We have many fond memories of playing bridge with her in a ladies' group and with her and Don in a couples group. You have our sympathies. She will be missed. With thoughts and prayers for the family, Keith and Liz Koch"
In loving memory of
Karen Irene Spenner
April 17, 1943 - September 11, 2016
Karen I. Spenner, 73, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Park Place Elder Living. Visitation will begin after 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, where the family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. that evening. A funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, on Thursday, September 15, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Mike Scudder officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery. Gifts of love and friendship may be given to Faith Lutheran Church and the Alzheimer's Association. On-line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com. The daughter of Fred H. and Eleanora A. Linn Dorheim, Karen Irene was born on April 17, 1943, in Madison, WI. She was a 1961 graduate of Iowa City High in Iowa City, IA. Karen attended Iowa State University. On July 14, 1962, she married Donald D. Spenner in Iowa City. In her younger years Karen was a bookkeeper for J.C. Penney Company, first in Ames, IA, and then Council Bluffs, IA. She worked for Midwest Walnut Company in Council Bluffs, prior to moving to Mt. Pleasant in 1972. For five years Karen was a copywriter for KILJ and for 16 years she was as an account coordinator for Hy-Vee Food Stores, before retiring in 2000. Karen was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church where she served as the secretary for the Board of Education, taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir. She was a member of Lutheran Women's Missionary League and completed two terms as president. A member of Beta Sigma Phi, Karen held various offices. She enjoyed playing bridge, biking, hiking, and campinga"and always had her suitcase packed to travel or camp. Karen's favorite pastime was watching her grandchildren participate in numerous sporting and other activities. Along with her loving and devoted husband, Don, of 54 years, Karen is survived by two sons, Greg (Debra) Spenner of Waukee, IA, and Doug (Traci) Spenner of Mt. Pleasant, IA; a daughter, Krista Soda of Waukee, IA; and six grandchildren, Tyler and Alex Spenner of Iowa City, IA, Justin, Reagan, and Kjersten Spenner of Waukee, IA, and Alexa Soda of Waukee, IA. Karen was preceded in death by her parents. Cemetery Details Forest Home Cemetery South Walnut Street Mt. Pleasant, IA, 52641 Visitation SEP 14. 02:00 PM - 07:00 PM Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel 709 Mapleleaf Drive Mt Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 olsonpowell@lisco.com Family will be present SEP 14. 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel 709 Mapleleaf Drive Mt Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 olsonpowell@lisco.com Funeral Service SEP 15. 10:30 AM Faith Lutheran Church LCMS 910 Maple Leaf Drive Mt. Pleasant, IA, US, 52641
Tributes
"Don and family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of your dear Karen. We are so sorry we were not aware of her passing and so were not able to attend her visitation and funeral. May God be your hope and strength as your life continues without her.John and Karen Schaub"
"To Karen Spenner family,Sorry to hear of the passing of your wife, mother and grandmother. Because of high school reunions I had the opportunity to visit with Karen. What a nice picture!Regards,Dorothea (Zook) Moberly"
"I will see all of you today, but just thought I would send a little note to make you smile. I loved Karen being a part of my life growing up and am thankful she survived Krista and I. God bless her for putting up with our shenanigans and trying her best to make us ladies:) I think we turned out ok and I hope she could look back and laugh at some of the crazy things that happened to us. I love you all and thank you for always making me feel welcome in your family. God give you peace and comfort through this difficult time."
"Just wanted to let you know how much my mother loved playing bridge with Karen. They played the game very well. She was a great lady. My mother was Marilyn Slobodnik. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa Brooks"
"Dear Greg, Deb & family - We are so sorry to learn of your Mom's death. Please accept our condolences, we are praying for all of you. Your Mom was always so very calm & understanding (not to mention accepting) of us when we (the group) chose to gather at your folk's house. Smile when you think of her - she is a beautiful person! -David & Tracy (Hays) Owens"
"Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Dear Greg & Deb, Justin, Reagan, & Kjersten ~ We are thinking of you & all your family, as you say good-bye to your dear Mom and Grandma. What a sweet person! Hold on to your wonderful memories always! Take care and God bless you all. ~ Jeff & Gayle Sheetz "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 NIV"
"Jeremy & Kristin Price purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"My condolences on the passing of your wonderful mother. She was always so actively involved and proud of her boys.Was nice to see you, Greg, and family in Iowa City some months ago.Wyn Seeley"
"Nick and Linda Steinkamp & family purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Don and family,You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Karen always had a beautiful smile for everyone around her. She will be missed.Sharon Yocum and Julieann Yocum Szedon"
"Your friends at ABC National purchased the Gracious Lavender Basket for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Guiding Light Bouquet was purchased for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
""God is our refuge and strength; a help that is readily found in times of distress." (Psalms 46:1) My deepest condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. And may the above words give you some peace knowing that the Almighty God is with you to comfort and sustain you through this difficult time."
"The ABC of Iowa Board of Directors and Staff purchased the Amazing Arboricola for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"NW Agribusiness Ops Team purchased the Sapphire Skies Bouquet for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Deb and Tracy Lemar purchased the Beautiful Heart Bouquet for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Karen in person, her daughter (my friend)Krista has shared many fond memories of her beloved mother over the years. I know she helped to build a strong and loving family who will be there to support one another through this difficult time. Please know that your friends are here as well. So sorry for your loss. Deb Lemar"
"Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Joyful Memory was purchased for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Karen Irene Spenner."
"Susie and I have had the pleasure of of knowing Karen and her family for a very long time. Karen was a wonderful co-worker and friend and was a great sport when I would do my dumb practical jokes. We also experienced Karen's trials and tribulations getting "Moose" to play her violin. Greg's using a straw with his mixed drinks and trying to get him to tone down the button up pajamas when we roomed together at the state tournament. And there was Doug who continues to be one adventure after another with 99% of them being hilarious. Don great job on taking great care of Karen till the very end, and always being a wonderful dad and grandpa. Karen is not here with us anymore physically, but will always be in our hearts and memories. John and Susie Kuhens"