Karen Lee Smith (Thompson)

Karen was born on April 22, 1940 in Blue Earth, Minnesota, the daughter of Leon and Erma (Ehrich) Thompson. The family moved from Blue Earth, Minnesota to Charles City, Iowa in 1955. Karen graduated from Charles City High School in 1958 and then went on to graduate from the Hamilton Business School in 1962.

Karen began working for Deere & Co. in September 1963. She enjoyed many year of employment and retired after 30 years.

Karen married Lawrence Smith on September 15, 1968 in Charles City, Iowa. They lived 34 years in the Quad Cities before moving to Colorado in October 1997.

She loved spending with her family, walking, decorating, flower gardens, her beloved dog, Piper.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Lawrence (Larry); sister, Marlys (Frank) Nockels, Arvada, CO; brother, Marlin (Jan) Thompson, Harlan, IA, and brother, Jeffery Thompson, Madison, WI. Her memory lives on with her nieces and nephews that she adored.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Paula (Thompson) Schwab.