In loving memory of

Kara Elizabeth Widel
April 15, 1988 - April 29, 2022

Kara E. Widel, 34, of Maquoketa, Iowa, fell asleep and woke up in the arms of Jesus after a courageous fight with cancer. Her ashes will travel near and far with family and friends. A celebration will be held at a later date.

Kara Elizabeth Widel was born on April 15, 1988, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Richard and Beth (Podhaski) Widel.

Her greatest accomplishment in life was August 24, 2020, when she gave birth to her pride and joy, Lakyn CarolAnn. After years and years of joking about the "8027 reasons she is NEVER HAVING CHILDREN". Kara took classes at multiple colleges as she joked about being a professional college student. She earned a bachelor's degree in Communications. Kara loved being a social worker and advocate for the children at Families First and Scott County Department of Human Services.

Those left to honor her memory and will miss her dearly include her Fiancé Joe Taets, Daughter Lakyn, bonus children E and Jameson; Fur baby Mavis; Parents, Dick and Beth Widel; Brother and Sister-In-Law, Kyle and Amanda Widel; Adored nephews, Keaton, Kohen, Kaison and Korbin Widel: maternal grandparents Jeff and Carole Podhaski; as well as several cherished aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a college memorial fund has been established for Kara's daughter Lakyn.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Gary and Kathleen Heiar wrote on May 5, 2022:

"Beth, Our sincere sympathy to you and your family."

Quinlan Miller wrote on May 4, 2022:

"I only knew Kara briefly as a foster parent for a kiddo on her busy caseload, but she always took the time and made it clear that she cared deeply about the kids in her care and wanted to do her best to help them and their families. Finding a truly GOOD DHS worker in the foster care system is so incredibly rare?but rare she was. To her family, I am so sorry for your loss, but know that she touched so many lives and blessed every person she encountered. My thoughts are with you!"

Pamala Witt Davis wrote on May 3, 2022:

" I am so sorry for your loss . Sending prayers your way. I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Leo Buscaglia"

Karen Schwenker wrote on May 3, 2022:

"So very sorry for your loss.. Parents are not supposed to outlive their children. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Joel and Jenn Driscoll wrote on May 2, 2022:

"Dick, Beth and family, you have our deepest sympathies Kara was and amazing woman. Thoughts and prays to you all! Joel and Jenn Driscoll "

Angel Schiffer wrote on May 2, 2022:

"My deepest sympathy for all of Kara?s family and friends. There are no words to ease your sorrow and pain of losing your loved one, but know that I will keep you in my prayers. "

Everett Hamner wrote on May 2, 2022:

"I knew Kara as a Communication major and English minor at WIU-Quad Cities. She was a spirited, generous, often hilarious student who brought many smiles to peers' and professors' faces. Quick example: there's an eraser in one of the classrooms I use regularly with a taped-on picture of her and a friend, Maura Warner. Upon finishing one of my classes, they decided I needed it because in my urgency to find more whiteboard real estate, I would routinely smudge out writing with my hand, and apparently it drove them crazy. "

Adam Phrancis Vilmont wrote on May 2, 2022:

"So sorry to hear of Kara's passing. I know her through work. She was one of the good ones. My condolences to her friends and family"

Sue Van Buer wrote on May 2, 2022:

"Keeping all of Kara's family in my thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for your loss."

Bea Brasel wrote on May 2, 2022:

"Kara was a wonderful and dedicated volunteer of WQPT PBS. She always had a positive attitude and loved working with children. Her sense of humor and beautiful soul will be missed. "

Brenda Groves & Family wrote on May 1, 2022:

"Words can't even express how very sorry I am to hear about the passing of Kara. She was a beautiful young lady. She was a delight to have in class when I worked at Middle School. What a funny kiddo she was. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace beautiful Angel."

Lance Brendan Young wrote on May 1, 2022:

"I taught Kara in several communication courses at WIU-QC and we worked together when she was president of the Communication Student Society. I considered her a friend, and we got together several times after she graduated. I will remember her determination and her sense of humor. My heartfelt condolences go to her family."

Pat Wirth wrote on May 1, 2022:

"Dick & Beth I am so sorry for your loss. I have no words that can express the hurt I am feeling for you and your family! You are on my prayers!"

Katlyn Steiner wrote on May 1, 2022:

"So sorry for your loss! Sending love and prayers. "

Al and Gayla Earles wrote on May 1, 2022:

"Your family is in our thoughts?hugs to all of you. "

Karen gombert wrote on May 1, 2022:

"I?ve known Kara since she was maybe 3 years old when Beth started babysitting for my kids Matt and Jessa! Matt and Kara were same age. I was sure hoping she was going to kick that c word, she gave it a good fight tho! Please know Dick,Beth, Kyle, and family that we are thinking of yous and will keep yous in our prayers. Keep her memories close to your ???S! Mark/Karen Gombert"

Karen Bailey Hagenow wrote on May 1, 2022:

"Dick, Beth and family, I am so very sorry for your great loss. What a special and precious girl. Prayers and love to you all. Karen "

Kayla (Millwright) Goeser wrote on May 1, 2022:

"I am so very sorry for your loss, Kara was an amazing friend! I have so many wonderful memories growing up together. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come "

Gay Storlie wrote on May 1, 2022:

"Dicki, Beth and family. We are so very sorry to hear of Karas passing. I am so grateful that I had the privilege of knowing Kara at Clover Ridge. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time! Dennis and Gay Storlie "

Katy Fultner-Riordan wrote on May 1, 2022:

"I'am so sad to hear of your loss there are no words that can be said that can at this moment that helps we just say thank you for coming or for caring. It will take longer than our life to understand why, If you all someone who will listen to you just listen no comment. That helps so much,"

Penny Nuti wrote on May 1, 2022:

"Richard & Beth and family, Thinking of you and lifting Kara's family up in my prayers. With heartfelt sympathy. "

Judy Bowloing wrote on May 1, 2022:

"My sincere condolences to all of Kara's family at this very difficult time. I did not know Kara but do know her parents and brother and family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you."

Dianne Fuller wrote on May 1, 2022:

"My deepest sympathy to all of Kara?s family. "

Elizabeth (Widel) Lind wrote on May 1, 2022:

"I didn?t have the pleasure of knowing her Kara but my heart goes out to her parents and family?????"