Karen Sue Holm

Karen Sue Holm, age 72, of Swaledale, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Pastor Melinda McVey officiating. Graveside service followed at Rockwell Cemetery. Family and friends were invited to attend a viewing on Monday, Sept. 9, from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Galilean Lutheran Church in Karen’s memory.

Karen Sue was born on Sept. 4, 1952, in Mason City, to Edward M. and Renelda H. (Oeltjenbruns) Petersen. She graduated from Rockwell-Swaledale High School with the class of 1970 and continued her education at North Iowa Community College, where she earned her Associate of Arts in Retail in May 1972.

On July 9, 1972, Karen was united in marriage to Allen Holm at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Rockwell. Together, they were blessed with three children.

Karen held various management positions at Wal-Mart stores in Minnesota and Iowa over 10 years before becoming the office manager at Galilean Lutheran Church, a role she held for over 20 years. Her dedication to her work and community was admired by many.

In her free time, Karen loved traveling and spending time with her family. She had a passion for reading, decorating, writing in her diary and coloring. Karen was fun loving and an incredibly positive person. She spent little time on negativity and loved to give updates on what her friends and family were up to.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Allen Holm; her children, Aaron (Katie) Holm, Kevin (Shannon) Holm, and Amanda (Andrew) Holm-Branstad; grandchildren, Mekenzie Jenaway, Nathaniel Branstad, Melaena Holm, Olivia Holm, Caeleb Branstad, Dylan Holm, Korrigan Branstad, Brandon Holm, and Samuel Branstad; two great-grandchildren, Brooks and Eleanor; and her siblings, Larry Petersen and Duane (Joye) Petersen.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Renelda Petersen; her sister, Linda Nuehring (Petersen); her grandson, Alexander Branstad, as well as other extended family members who were dearly loved.

Karen’s warmth, love for her family, and devotion to her church and community will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Ward Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.