Karen Arlene (Brown) Wells was born May 24, 1950, in Fairfield, Iowa to Paul LaVerne Brown and Ruth Arlene (Bradfield) Brown of Stockport, Iowa. She graduated from Van Buren High School in 1968. After graduation, Karen married the love of her life, Larry Lee Wells, on June 22, 1968, sharing beautiful memories with their growing family in various locations, but established long-term residency in Des Moines, Iowa.
Karen wore many hats – taking employment in banking, insurance, and ultimately landing in healthcare (as Admin Assistant, Activity Director, Marketing/Admissions and Social Worker for a short time). She was entrepreneur of RSVP, a business venture where she worked in her natural habitat, excelling in flower design and cake decorating, planning and overseeing weddings and receptions. She did whatever she could to help make those special moments extra special. Many were happy to assist where help was needed – whatever ‘Karing’ needed. Serving others and fine culinary skills were in her DNA. Those candlelight dinners for the residents at University Park Nursing and Rehab have gone down in history. As her former Administrator stated, whoever was to fill the role of Activity Director, after Karen, had “Big Shoes” to fill. She dispensed such generosity and grace so freely.
Karen’s faith and undying love for the Lord was a guiding force in her life. Her Church family was so special to her. Members of Union Park Grace Fellowship Church (since 1968) and previously Wakonda Christian Church (mid 70s) were as if they were her own. Par for the course, Karen fulfilled her life in Service to the Lord as Church Secretary, Treasurer, Teacher, Christian Education Director, Youth Leader, Christian Women’s Fellowship Chairperson, and most significantly Elder – serving in whatever capacity as she was able to share God’s word, during her tenure at UPGF church. She remained an Elder Emeritus for UPGF church, while she continued as best she could in her service in this life. Through prayer and comfort to others with every ounce of her being, Karen was always ready and eager to lend a listening ear, serve as confidante, and share her empathy and compassion ceaselessly. She never failed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her desire for others to come to Know Christ was well noted several years ago as she documented preparations for her homegoing.
As if that wasn’t enough, Karen continued in her service to others through her years with the ABWA (Des Moines chapter) and volunteering to support Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s awareness as often as she could. She was a true advocate.
“Doll”, “Special K” and the beloved “Karing” were all terms of endearment given by her loving husband, to exemplify her loving kindness, caring nature, and one-of-a-kind spirit. Karen loved the holidays and often was known for overdoing everything – there was always ample food, gifts, and decorations. She was always ready for company. Nothing was overlooked. Cristmases, being her favorite time of the year, were always filled with family, church, and her favorite cookies (oh, those orange slice cookies). She cherished her Nativity collection and the
beautiful message that continues to convey. She loved her family with her WHOLE heart. Sunday meals of taco burgers and ice cream desserts will not be the same.
Karen was a resident of Trinity Center at Luther Park (since 2014) where she passed peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, while under the care of UnityPoint Hospice. She and the staff became friends very quickly. Her advocacy for Parkinson’s, even in her final days, helped to form an amazing team of caretakers. Karen was 75 years old.
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin – the names and titles are endless – but there’s none other like Karen. Left to cherish her loving memory are her son, Nathan (Kim) Wells; daughters, Tina (Lonnie) Payton and Cynthia (Jason) Villalobos; grandchildren, Jay (Paige), Morgan (Jon), Elizabeth (Collin), Kelsee (Zach) and Preston (Kasie); seven great-grandchildren (Hayden, Alina, Daphnie, Branson, Graeson, Laura Belle; Evelyn); siblings, Karyl (Don) Adam, Keith Brown, Kristine (Lary) Cass, Kermit (Anna) Brown, Kent (Sue) Brown, and Kevin (Margie) Brown; and many other loving family members and friends that will cherish her infinitely.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Larry Wells; her parents, Ruth Brown and Paul LaVerne Brown, and brother, Kenneth LaVerne Brown.
Visitation for Karen will be Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, with a prayer service with the family at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Stockport Christian Church, 217 S Main Street, Stockport, IA 52651. The family will welcome guests at 10:00am. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with local arrangements.
Karen will be laid to rest next to her husband, Larry, at Spencer Cemetery following the funeral. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Hall in Stockport.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Union Park Grace Fellowship Church in Des Moines or the Parkinson’s Association, Iowa Chapter, at https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/iowa/ways-give-ia/donate/
Condolences may be expressed at www.behnerfh.com.
