Karen Edna Gage passed from this life into eternity on December 13, 2024 after a courageous battle with heart disease. She was born on November 14,1945, and lived on a farm in rural Tipton, IA.  Karen was the 3rd of five children born to Howard and Marjorie Telsrow. The family moved to Hulett, Wyoming during her Junior year of high school, where she graduated and then returned to Iowa to attend MCC where she met Larry Gage, a fellow student. She then attended the University of Iowa where she studied medical technology. Karen did her residency in Omaha, Nebraska where she spent time writing her fiancé, Larry, who was in the Army in Vietnam, then returned to Iowa once again where they married and set up housekeeping in Muscatine.  Larry and Karen raised their family in Letts, IA and have remained there ever since.

Throughout her life, Karen spent her time being an amazing homemaker, supportive and loving wife, amazing mom and super fun grandma who played the best card games and pitched a mean Wiffle-ball! She enjoyed gardening, fishing, attending and teaching Sunday School at the Letts Bible Church, and she made each of her 15 grandkids the most beautifully-quilted Christmas stocking. She loved time with family including celebrating the 4th of July, Christmas and tea parties with the granddaughters. She would have wanted you to know that she looks forward to seeing her family and friends in Heaven someday because she accepted Jesus as her Savior. She would encourage you to do the same.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Larry Gage, daughters Kim (Michael) Hewitt and Melissa (Jamie) Bakken. She has 15 grandchildren; Brianne (Mark) Flanagin, Kaelyn (Ben) Slavin, Andrew, Caleb, Luke and Maelle Hewitt and Jenna, Audrey, Adrienne, Everett, Madelyn, Ethan, Elliott, Ezra and Avery Bakken.  She is also survived by sisters Barb King, Judy Wood, Debbie (Dan) Odegard, brother Richard and brother-in-law Gary (Denise) Gage.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Letts Bible Church.   Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Al Halpain officiating.  Following services, burial will be held in the Letts Cemetery officiated by Rev. Michael Hewitt.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice Compasses of Washington or the Letts Bible Church. Sympathy notes may be left to the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is caring for Karen’s family and arrangements.