Obituary of Karen Kay Kamradt

    Karen Kay Kamradt was born October 28, 1938, in Hartley, IA, oldest child of John and Seraphine A. (Zensen) Mc Carty. She grew up in rural Royal, IA attending school there and graduating with the class of 1957. While in high school, she was honored to be part of the team that made two trips to the Iowa Girls State Basketball Tournament held in Des Moines.

    On April 6, 1960, Karen became the bride of Richard H. “Dick” Kamradt while he was serving his country at the Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. Shortly after their marriage, they were transferred to Lubbock, TX and remained there until Dick’s honorable discharge in April of 1961. Upon returning to Iowa, they made their first home in Moneta where Dick was engaged in farming with his father. They would farm in the Sutherland and Everly, IA area until moving in 1970 to their present location near Archer, IA. They would call this place “home” for the remainder of their married life and raise their five children here.

    Life as a farmwife and caring for her family kept Karen’s days pretty full, yet, at 52 years of age, she managed to earn her AA degree in nursing and was employed as a nurse at Baum Harmon hospital in Primghar, IA until her retirement in 2008.

    In the summer months, the family tried to spend as much time as they could at their lake cabin, but in the winter, she and Dick would leave the snow and cold behind and head to Bullhead City, AZ. They enjoyed traveling together, visiting with family and friends, and of course, were always ready for a wild game of cards. Keeping up with her grandkids’ activities was important to Karen and watching them participate was always a highlight.

    Karen belonged to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Primghar and the VFW Eagles Club.

    On Monday, December 18, 2023, Karen passed from this life at the age of 85 years. Preceding her were her husband, Dick (2015), her son, Steve Kamradt; grandson, Brian Shandley, her parents, John and Seraphine Mc Carty; in-laws, August and Anita Kamradt; her brother and his wife, Jerry and Karen Mc Carty; and a brother-in-law, Lee Brody.

    Keeping her memory close in heart are her children: Deb (TJ) Shandley of Winter, WI, Dawn (Doug) Biedenfeld of Peterson, IA, Sheila (John) Tatman of Spencer, IA, Brad (Angie) Kamradt of Sanborn, IA, and Lee (Dave) Lisko of Bennington, NE; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters: Judy Pingel of Spencer, IA, Janet (Jim) Pittmann of Alexandria, SD, and Gail (Dale) Looft of Montgomery, MN; other relatives and friends.