Karen Johnston, 79, of Wapello passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at her home. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello. Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025 at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in the Wapello Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Wapello Fire Department and the Wapello Ambulance. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.
Karen Jane McKinney was born on July 6, 1945 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Robert “Bob” and Helen Maxine (Earnest) McKinney. Karen graduated from Wapello High School in the class of 1963 and went on to attend Burlington Business School. In 1968, Karen was united in marriage to Tom Johnston in Wapello; he preceded her in death in 2002. Karen worked as the secretary for the Wapello Elementary School for 30 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Wapello Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and taught both Sunday School and Bible School. Karen enjoyed boating-making many wonderful memories with her family and friends and attending dances at the VFW in Wapello. She loved watching football and basketball and was especially fond of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Above all, Karen’s greatest love was spending time with her family and getting to watch her children and grandchildren in their many sporting events.
Karen will be deeply missed by her children, Kevin (Shelly) Johnston of Burlington and Tami (Brad) Kerr of Florida; grandchildren, Zak (Jenn) Kerr, Alex Kerr, Kyla Johnston and Tyler Johnston; great – grandchildren, Brooks, Boston and Baylor Kerr; and brother David (Joellyn) McKinney of Wapello.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom; in-laws, Clem and Wilma Johnston, sister, Julie (Dave) Jacobs and nephew, Scott Keltner.