Karen K. Pieper, 72

Karen K. Pieper, 72, of Gladbrook, IA, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown, IA, with her loving family by her side. Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2020, at the Gladbrook United Methodist Church in Gladbrook, with Rev. Gideon Gallo officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2020, at the Gladbrook United Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gladbrook Chapel of Anderson Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com. Karen Koester was born January 2, 1947, the daughter of Harold and Lorene (Matznick) Koester in Marshalltown. She graduated from Gladbrook School in 1965 and the University of Northern Iowa in 1969. Karen was united in marriage to Larry Pieper on January 20, 1968, in Gladbrook. She was a teacher in the Garwin School District for nine years. Following her teaching career, she was employed as the assistant manager for Caseys General Store for thirty years. Karen was a member of the Gladbrook United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher, UMW Women’s Club in Gladbrook, American Legion Auxiliary, many card groups, and enjoyed organizing kids shopping day. She loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. Karen enjoyed shopping, playing cards, and eating outside with friends. Karen is survived by her husband, Larry; daughter Kristi Carlson of Melbourne, IA; granddaughter Elle Carlson; grandson Cael Carlson; sister Peg (Stan) Nirider of Corsicana, TX; brother Rich (Rachael) Koester of North Little Rock, AR; sister-in-law Marcia (Jim) Clark of Eldora, IA, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.