Karen Elaine Runge

Karen Elaine (Hendrickson) Runge, age 74, of Carroll, IA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Journey Senior Services in Carroll.

Funeral service will be held at 6:30 P.M. on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll with Rev. Cindy Johnson officiating.

Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home from 5 – 7 P.M. on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

Karen was born on June 17, 1948, in Mason City, IA, to Allen and Carol (Follmuth) Hendrickson. She grew up in Mason City where she graduated from high school in 1966. She attended Luther College and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. While at Luther, Karen met David and they married on December 14, 1969. Ingrid was born in 1973, and in 1975, the couple moved to Carroll where Karen substituted at Carroll Community Schools. Karen accepted a position at Glidden-Ralston Community Schools in 1977 where she taught K-6 reading until she retired. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she served as the first female congregational president.

In retirement, Karen fought hard to stave off the grip of Alzheimer’s. She was supported by a close group of loyal friends. For the past 30 months, Karen lived at Journey Senior Services. The family wants to acknowledge the extremely high level of care provided by the staff. The family also wants to acknowledge the care provided by the staff of Gentiva Hospice.

Karen is survived by her husband David of Carroll; her daughter Ingrid Long (Mike) of Carroll; her granddaughter Riley Long of Carroll; a sister Joanne Reaman of Webster City; a sister-in-law Christine Johnston (Jeff) of Boardman, OH; two brothers-in-law: Raymond Runge (Val) of Houston, TX, and Thomas Runge of Struthers, OH; and several nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Allen and Carol Hendrickson; her father and mother-in-law Carl and Grace Runge; a brother Mark Hendrickson; a brother-in-law Terry Reaman; a sister-in-law Cindy Hendrickson; a nephew Jeffrey Johnston; and dear friends: Michael J Miller and Pat Janning.