Karen Kay Johnson, 82, of Clarence, IA died peacefully Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surrounded by love, laughter, and her family. A memorial service for Karen will be held on Saturday, August 26 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ in Clarence with Pastor Kerri Sandusky officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 25 from 4-7 p.m. at Chapman's in Clarence. Burial will be at a later date in the Durant Cemetery.

Karen was born July 20, 1941, in Davenport, IA, the daughter of Elmer and Dorothy (Lilienthal) Moeller. That very day she met Don Johnson in the hospital nursery. Just 21 years later, they were married on October 6, 1962.

She attended Bunker Hill School through 8th grade, then graduated from Durant High School in 1959. They have continued regular get-togethers with their goofy/irreplaceable "59ers".

Married life took them to different cities and states, but home became Clarence, IA. After years of raising 3 little Johnsons, Karen began a 20-year career at Cedar County Public Health in Tipton, IA. In retirement she enjoyed the socialness of work at the North Cedar School District and Pioneer Hi-Bred.

Over the years, Karen volunteered at the St Luke's Hospital gift shop, was the secretary of the 4th Ave neighborhood corn/sunflowers association, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. As a member of St John's United Church of Christ, she played bells in the Ding-A-Lings group and worked with Lend-A-Hand. She loved her card club and loved to go dancing to many bands all over Eastern Iowa. She loved solitaire, playing "her" version of Scrabble, sitting on the patio with her signature drink, a Captain Morgan with a splash of Pepsi and laughing with her long-time neighbor, Alice.

More than anything else, she was a dedicated mom and grandmother. Three busy children had her running to every sporting and musical event, making dance costumes, tapping along to piano recitals, working concession stands and running all the errands kids require. Every single morning after her walk she lovingly made a hot breakfast and the children's favorite was her amazing French toast. She treasured being a 2nd mom to the kids' friends by making them food and listening whenever they needed her. Becoming a grandmother brought more sporting events, dance recitals, concerts, musicals, plays and "basement shows" for her granddaughters. Watching the girls express their talents in their activities brought her so much joy. Karen was dedicated to daily journaling and rarely missed a day since 1955. She loved watching and laughing at her grand dogs, Mike, Margie, Teddy, and Tater Tot, while they played in the yard and got too many treats from Papa.

Those left to miss her until being reunited in heaven are her husband of 60 years, Don and 2 children, Tyler (Traci) Johnson of Bettendorf, IA, and Tricia (Todd) Blakney of Clarence, IA; grandchildren, Allie, Reagan and Evyn of Bettendorf; older sister, Elaine (Bob) Butterbrodt of Tipton, IA; and lots of nieces, nephews, cousins, precious friends and grand dogs.

Joyfully reunited with her in heaven is her son, Tim; her parents, Elmer and Dorothy; her nephew, Ross; her parents-in-law, Frank and Florence Johnson; her brothers-in-law, Jerry and Francis Johnson; her sister-in-law, Joan Johnson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and many beloved family dogs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a future tribute to Karen.

Cards may be sent to Don at: 510 A 8th Ave. Clarence, Iowa 52216.