In loving memory of

Karen Marie DeWolf
July 14, 1939 - April 22, 2022




Karen Marie DeWolf, 82, of Ames passed away on April 22, 2022, surrounded by the love of her family. A public visitation will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa, 50010. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 29th, 2022, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50014.

Karen was born on July 14, 1939, to Anthony and Mary Peters in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. She grew up in Pocahontas, Iowa, where her favorite memories included countless hours with her siblings, cousins, and beloved Grandma Quinlan. She graduated from Pocahontas Catholic School in 1957. After high school she attended College of St. Mary in Omaha for two years before she married Jack DeWolf of Rolfe, Iowa.

Karen and Jack were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pocahontas, Iowa, on June 4, 1960. They lived in Northwood, Kearny, NE, Elkader, Muscatine, and Fort Dodge before settling on the family farm in Rolfe with their children Michael, Douglas, and Kathleen. Karen went on to complete her Bachelor's degree from Buena Vista University and her Master's in Education from Iowa State University. She taught and passed her love of learning on to students at Havelock-Plover and Rolfe schools. In 2012 Karen and Jack moved to Ames. As Iowa State football season ticket holders for decades, they expanded their Cyclone watching to include men's and women's basketball as well as volleyball. Karen's blood was not only cardinal and gold but also green as she was fiercely proud of her Irish ancestry. Of the many trips they were able to take, one of her favorites was traveling with Jack and her siblings, LaVon and Tom, and their spouses to Ireland in 2010.

Karen was an avid baker and gardener. Her specialties were cookies and quick breads, which she loved sharing with family and friends. Her patio and balcony were an explosion of flowers all through the growing season. She also enjoyed spending time reading, scrapbooking, and playing the piano. However, number one on her list of favorite things to do was spend time with her eight grandchildren, be it watching their various activities or taking them on shopping expeditions. Karen was able to meet Jack (A.K.A. "Baby Jack"), her first great-grandson, this month and was eagerly anticipating the birth of Lillian, her first great-granddaughter, this June.

Left to cherish Karen's memory are her husband, Jack DeWolf; sons, Michael (Katherine) of Rolfe, Iowa, and Douglas (Hollis) of Pella, Iowa, and daughter, Kathleen (Brady) Sutton of Nevada, Iowa; grandchildren James (Molli), Kelly (Michael), Daniel (Hannah), Elizabeth (Michael), Gabrielle (Brendan), Sarah, William (Jennifer), and Alec (Malia); great-grandson, Jack; brother, Thomas Peters of Westminster, Colorado and sister, Therese Gaps of Knoxville, Tennessee.


Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Mary Peters; sister, LaVon Wiser; and sisters-in-law, Nancy West and Faye Peters.


Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com


Tributes

Marilyn Johnson wrote on Apr 29, 2022:

"Dear Jack, Mike, Doug and Katie and families, Even though we are unable to be with you at this time, know we are holding you close to our hearts in thought and prayer. We will hope to get to Ames this summer, when we can have a good visit. Karen was a special friend and colleague. God be with you. In Christ, DJ and Marilyn"

Dave Dunn wrote on Apr 29, 2022:

"Jack--thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this difficult time."

Nancy and Gus Brinkman wrote on Apr 29, 2022:

"Jack, Mike, Doug, Katie, and families...we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We know how deeply you will miss your wife, mom, and grandma. We remember Karen's kind, always welcoming smile, and her chuckle, which she always seemed so happy to share with all. Your parents were indeed a large part of the life of our small community and county. I remember being asked to take some photos of Jack and Karen and their grandchildren in their yard on the farm a number of years ago. It was a pleasure to meet those young people she and Jack treasured so much, and to capture memories for them that day. The video of your times together highlights the love you all shared. As an Ames native and as two ISU grads, it was good to know that Jack and Karen could be near more family and making shorter trips to Jack Trice and Hilton to support their beloved Cyclones! Again, our condolences to each of you. Nancy and Gus Brinkman Rolfe"

Michelle wrote on Apr 28, 2022:

"Uncle Jack, Mike, Doug and Katie, my heart is with you all at this time. Every memory I have of sweet Aunt Karen is a loving and happy one. Our world was brighter and sweeter because of her."

Gloria Gunderson wrote on Apr 27, 2022:

"Karen was an amazing woman. She easily shared her love for her family. She was always kind and compassionate. She made great contributions to her community and was a great friend. Karen was one of ISU's best fans. She is really missed. Our love and prayers are on your behalf. Please accept our sympathy. With love, Gloria Gunderson"

Lynn Brennan wrote on Apr 26, 2022:

"Jack and family, We were so sorry to learn of your loss of Karen. She was always most kind and friendly to us, her upstairs neighbors! We will miss seeing her and her beautiful smile. Hold on to your many, many memories--they will surely help you through this sad time and in the future. Mike and Lynn Brennan"

Ronnie Guerttman wrote on Apr 26, 2022:

"Thoughts and prayers being sent your way! Sorry to hear of your Mother's passing Mike. ???????"

Jayaruwani Fernando wrote on Apr 25, 2022:

"Sending my deepest sympathies to the DeWolf family. I had her company for a few years, but she was a lifetime gift that I got from the almighty god. She was a grandma to me, and I truly felt the love and affection of the DeWolf family when I was so far away from my home country. "

Velma Shaw Johnson wrote on Apr 25, 2022:

"Jack and family,. So sorry to hear about Karen. She will be missed by many. Try to remember the good times. God be will you thru this hard time."

Barb Bennett wrote on Apr 25, 2022:

"My deepest sympathy to Jack, Mike, Doug, Katie & families. Karen was a very special lady & always willing to help in the groups she belonged to. She loved her Cyclones & now can cheer from above. God bless & hugs . Barb Bennett"

Marilee Kleespies wrote on Apr 25, 2022:

"Sending our deepest sympathies to te DeWolf family. The whole family was such an important part of the Rolfe & St Margaret?s family. Many fond memories of working with Karen at church functions & other community & school activities. "

Dan and Carol Heissel wrote on Apr 25, 2022:

"Sending our condolences to Jack and family. I enjoyed getting to know Karen when I joined the Beta Sigma Phi group in Rolfe. My husband, Dan and I had the pleasure of catching up with Jack and Karen and the Iowa State Football games. Karen will be missed! Dan and Carol Heissel"

Margot Eness wrote on Apr 25, 2022:

"Karen and Jack were the first neighbors to welcome us to Stone Brooke. She made us feel at home. What a special lady. Condolences to the family "

Diana Hawks wrote on Apr 25, 2022:

"i'm so sorry for your lose. she was a very sweet lady "

Ken and Carmella wrote on Apr 25, 2022:

"Our condolences. She was a welcoming neighbor and so thoughtful. She often brought me a shamrock plant on my st pats birthday and shared a bag of her Christmas party mix during the holidays. Karen was a special person. The world was better for her having been in it."