Karen Kay Kohls, 73, of Clermont, Iowa died Monday, June 30, 2025 at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon, Iowa surrounded by her family. Karen was born on March 2, 1952, in Iowa to Emory and Ula (Howard) Ruroden.
On April 4, 1970, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Kohls, who survives her. A son, Kyle was born to this union. She had several jobs throughout her life. She was the assistant manager of Pronto. She owned a catering business with her sister Lorraine called Lorkar. She was also the West Clermont Lutheran Church secretary for many years. She was proud to take care of the home and be a farmer’s wife. Karen found joy in the simple things – crafting homemade cards, baking, cooking for her loved ones, and bird watching. Her nights were enjoyed watching TV shows with her husband Kenny. When she was no longer able to be at home they enjoyed a daily 6:30 phone call and regular visits. Later in life she had regularly scheduled visits from her sister Dorene and niece Roxanne which were a joy for her. She was a woman of faith and generosity who cherished time spent with family and friends.
Karen is survived by her husband, Kenneth Kohls of Clermont; her son, Kyle (Megan) Kohls of Decorah; four grandchildren, Everett, Easton, Jaelynn, and Journey, all of Decorah; one sister, Dorene Peyton of Calmar, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emory Ruroden, Ula and Clarion Hilgerson; brothers, Wayne “Butch” and Duane “Sonny” Ruroden; sisters, Elaine Voss and Lorraine Pape; brothers-in-law, Dean Peyton and Dean Pape; sisters-in-law, Helen Ruroden and Jane Miene; and nephews, Jason Peyton, Mark Meyer, Brett Fonley, and Kevin Fonley.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at West Clermont Church, Clermont, Iowa with a visitation from 9-11 am before services at the church on Tuesday.
Burial at God’s Acres, Clermont, Iowa will be at a later date.
The family will be collecting donations for the Clermont Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance, who treated her with great dignity and respect on many occasions.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.