Karen Keech

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Karen Marie Keech, 56 of Story City, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. after a long, courageous battle with cancer. A visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m with a vigil to follow, Friday, May 13 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Ames, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Story City, Iowa.

Karen Marie Auchstetter was born on February 13, 1966, in Sheldon, Iowa to Marvin and Marlys (Wallrich) Auchstetter. She grew up on the Auchstetter family farm in rural Hospers, Iowa, where she would spend the summers walking beans. As an infant, Karen was diagnosed with Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. She exceeded all her doctors' expectations. She attended St. Anthony's grade school in Hospers and graduated from Spalding Catholic High School in Granville, Iowa in 1984. Karen graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa with a marketing degree in 1989.

Karen worked in retail for many years at BonWorth where she would travel to open new locations. She also managed a shoe store as we all know her love of shoes. She later worked part time at Kohls, and most recently worked her dream job of the Deputy Treasurer for Story City, Iowa. While working, she was also the bookkeeper of the Keech Farm, Keech Cattle Company, and Keech Custom Baling.

Karen and Kent were united in marriage on August 1, 1998, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hospers, and made their home in Story City. She became a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church once she moved to Story City. Kent used his swanky moves to win Karen over by putting a booster seat on top of a bar stool, and from there on their relationship blossomed. Their first date was hauling cattle to Tama, where afterwards they stopped at the casino. Kent gave Karen $20, and before Kent even found a slot machine for himself, she had already lost the money and was asking for more. Kent and Karen were avid Iowa State fans and attended many men's and women's basketball games. They also loved to travel with 6 trips to Hawaii, a few trips within the US, and the most recent trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan. Karen also had many trips with her parents and then started trips with her sisters as they got older.

Growing up on the farm helped her grow a love for all animals, but she especially loved cats and had several beloved pets. She loved flowers, taking photographs, and spending time with her family. She never missed sending her nieces and nephews a birthday card and loved getting together for holidays.

Karen is survived by her husband, Kent Keech; siblings: Steve (Mary) Auchstetter of Hospers, IA, Susie (Mike) Jungers of Hospers, IA, and Lori Auchstetter of Denver, CO; sister in law, Julie Keech of Story City, IA; brother in law, Kevin (Diana) Keech of Story City, IA; nieces and nephews: Andrew (Sarah) Jungers, Ben (Tristen) Jungers, Angela (Mitch) Auchstetter Carey, Nic Auchstetter, Jennifer Auchstetter, Josh Klein, Justin Jungers, Grace Auchstetter, Levi (Ashley) Keech, and Mariah Keech; great nieces and nephews: Landon, Jolee, Harper, and Halle; and many cousins and other extended relatives.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Marlys (Wallrich) Auchstetter; and parents in law, Richard 'Dick' and Karen (Ferguson) Keech.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com