Karen Lea (Plumb) Dobernecker, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, at the age of 86, at The Cottages in Pella. . She was born on March 21, 1939, in Oakland, Iowa, to Ray and Opal Plumb.

In her school years, Karen was an active participant in both softball and basketball. She was proud to be a member of the first high school girls basketball team to wear short-skirt and crop-top uniforms at the Iowa High School Championship held at Vets Auditorium in 1954. In her senior year of high school, she was honored to be named Homecoming Queen. It was during these years that she met and began dating Darrell Dobernecker, and they were engaged on the day of her high school graduation.

Karen and Darrell were united in marriage on December 29, 1957.  They were snowed in for their honeymoon in Omaha, Nebraska. This was just the beginning of a life full of love, adventure, and shared dreams. Early in their marriage, Karen worked as a secretary while Darrell completed his college studies in Indianola. Afterward, they moved to Montezuma, Iowa, where

Darrell began his career as band director at Montezuma High School. It was here that they welcomed their first two children, Lori Ann and Steven Todd.

In 1965, the Dobernecker family relocated to Pella, Iowa, when Darrell took on the position of band director at Pella High School. Soon after, they welcomed their third child, Debra Sue. During these years, Karen began babysitting for other teachers' families while also becoming an active member of the First Baptist Church in Pella. She served in various roles, from teaching Sunday School to helping with numerous women's groups, always putting her faith into action.

Karen's love for family was unwavering. She cherished spending weekends and summer vacations camping and taking fishing trips with her family. One of the most treasured family traditions was their annual summer trip to Minnesota, where they enjoyed fishing, playing games, knitting, reading, and enjoying delicious

meals together. Karen and Darrell also shared a passion for motorcycle trips, traveling all over the United States with their close friends, Keith and Betty Vriezelaar. Karen was an accomplished motorcyclist in her own right, often riding alongside her husband on their adventures.

Karen's career as a secretary took her to Van Gorp Hatchery in Pella, and she later worked as Darrell's secretary at his insurance business, where she finished her working career.

Throughout all her roles, Karen's heart was always with her family, and she devoted herself to being present as best she could, at every event in her children's and grandchildren's lives. Karen was a loving and dedicated grandmother to five grandchildren – Erin, Emily, Megan, Christopher, and Harold. She took great joy in playing games, building blanket forts, crafting, baking, and sharing her love of reading books with them. Her love only grew with the arrival of her great-granddaughter, Eliza Lee, who stole her heart and brought immeasurable joy to her final years.

In her spare time, Karen loved tending to her garden and cultivating her beloved flowers. She took great pride in her yard, and her green thumb was a testament to the care and love she put into everything she did.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Darrell Dobernecker; parents Ray and Opal Plumb; her brothers, Marion and Darrell Plumb; and her son-in-law Stephen Van Hal.

She is survived by her children: Lori Van Hal, Steven and Stacy Dobernecker  and Debra Campbell; her grandchildren, Erin Van Hal, Emily and Dakota Stout, Megan Campbell, Christopher and Ellie Dobernecker, and Harold Dobernecker; her great-granddaughter, Eliza Lee; and many other loving family members and friends.

Karen's legacy will live on through the countless memories she created, her enduring love for her family, and her unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church.

First Baptist Church
Pella IA