Karen Joyce Kesler, daughter of LeRoy and Eunice (Schneider) Kesler, was born April 3, 1949 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She received her education in Emmetsburg, graduating from Emmetsburg High School. Following high school, Karen attended college receiving her BA degree in education. She worked for Head Start in Emmetsburg and later was employed by the Area Education Agency based out of Cylinder, Iowa where she worked until her retirement.
Karen and her sister, Vickie, founded the genealogical society in 1980 and was also a lifetime member of the Palo Alto County Historical Society. She enjoyed genealogical research and collecting historical information and items. Karen had extensive collections and especially enjoyed collecting glassware. She also loved arts and crafts and spending time with her cats.
Karen passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 74. She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Eunice Kesler; her sister, Vickie Kesler; step-sisters, Mildred (Ervin) Christiansen and Velma (Kenneth) Jacobsen; and a step-brother, Lester Kesler.
She is survived by nieces, LaRoyce (Todd) Heithoff of Reinbeck, Iowa and Dawn (Gary) Brown of Armstrong, Iowa; a nephew, James “Jim” Christiansen of Apple Valley, California; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Karen Kesler, 74, will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg
