Karen Joyce Uitermarkt was born on August 27, 1944, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Alfonse "Doc" and Delores (Terrell) Johnson. Karen passed away at her home in Pella on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at the age of sixty-seven.

Karen graduated from the Ottumwa High School with the class of 1962. She received her B.A. of Theology, with a Minor in Missions, from the Open Bible College in Des Moines. Karen later received her B.A. in Education from the Evangel College of Springfield, Missouri.

On December 27, 1973, Karen was united in marriage with Bruce A. Uitermarkt in Winfield, Iowa. This union was blessed with two daughters: Katie and Sally.

Karen taught at the Lovejoy Elementary and Nash Elementary in Des Moines before accepting a teaching position with the Knoxville Community Schools. Karen taught elementary schools for 32 years.

Karen was a member of the Open Bible Church of Pella for nearly 30 years. She later was a committed attendee of the Harvey Assembly of God Church. Karen was actively involved with the "After School Club" for kids, a child evangelism club, for three years after her retirement. Karen had a passion for mission work, especially work involving needy children around the world.

Karen's life could best be summed up by her love of family. She enjoyed no place as much as being home with those she loved. When not with her family, she could be found with a good cup of coffee, reading a book.

Those left to cherish Karen's memory are her husband, Bruce, of Pella; her daughter, Katie & Andrew Edwards and their son Clayton Drew Edwards, of Pella; her daughter, Sally & Andrew Culp, of Phoenix, Arizona; her mother, Delores Johnson, of Pella; and her sister, Linda Jean & Gary Blucher, of West Burlington. She was preceded in death by her father and her grandparents.

FUNERAL SERVICE

2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 15, 2011
Church of the Open Bible
Pella, Iowa

VISITATION

After 3:00 P.M., Friday, October 14, 2011
With family present 6:00-8:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

Mission work of the Family's choosing

FAMILY

Husband: Bruce Uitermarkt - Pella
Children: Katie & Andrew Edwards - Pella
Sally & Andrew Culp - Phoenix, Arizona
Grandson: Clayton Drew Edwards - Pella

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