Karen Marlene Kearney

Karen M. Kearney, 82, lifelong resident of Garwin, passed away Monday, May 9, 2022 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. A Mass of Christian Burial for Karen will take place on Friday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tama. She will be laid to rest at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Friends and family are also invited to attend a visitation Thursday, May 12 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later designation. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Karen and her family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Born Karen Marlene Reisinger on June 10, 1939 in Marshalltown, Iowa, she was the daughter of Ellsworth and Neva (DeFrance) Reisinger. Karen grew up in Garwin, graduating from Garwin Community High School in 1957. She went on to attend college in Cedar Rapids, graduating with a degree in business. Karen dedicated thirty years as Deputy Record at the Tama County Recorder’s Office before her retirement. Karen met the love of her life, Ambrose Kearney, at a dance – he offered her a ride home and, as he said, “the rest was history.” They built a beautiful life together, settling down to raise their children in Garwin. Together they enjoyed going to the races, snowmobiling and attending horse shows, where Ambrose showed the horses that Karen tolerated at best. She was an excellent cook and baker, especially known for her famous pies. Karen found great pride in keeping everything pristine – from the perfect lawn she mowed herself to everything in its place in her home. She was a faithful member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Rosary Society. Karen was also a member of the Homemakers Club and she loved playing card games, especially Hand and Foot. She had a soft spot for all babies and greatly enjoyed watching her family grow and prosper. Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 62 years, Ambrose; her three children: Lorie (Rick) Raymond of Garwin, Connie (Barry) Donovan of Toledo and Todd Kearney of Gladbrook; her grandchildren: Brittany Raymond (Grant Grimmett), Wade (Stacy) Raymond, Trevor Rohach (Mallory Thede), Chelsea Clark and Dallas (Katie) Donovan; great-grandchildren: Knox and Briggs Raymond and Ty Clark; siblings: Sandy (Bob) Wyllie of Marshalltown and Ronnie Reisinger of Garwin; several other relatives and many friends. In death, Karen is reunited with her parents, Ellsworth and Neva; her son, Terry Kearney; grandson, Trent Rohach and great-granddaughter, Leti Raymond.