BOONE, Iowa—Karen Ann Anderson, 86, of Boone, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone. According to Karen’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
Karen was born June 28, 1938, in Ames, the daughter of Bernard and Madgel (Graham) Judge. Karen grew up on her family farm in Napier, Iowa. She attended United Community School where she was a basketball player. Her team made it to the state tournament in 1955! After high school, Karen went on to earn her degree at Mercy School of Nursing.
Karen’s first job was at a doctor’s office in Ames. She eventually headed west to live and work in Colorado before making her way to Southern California for a job as a nurse at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. It was at a dance that she met the love of her life and fellow Iowan Jerry Anderson. They were united in marriage on January 13, 1968.
Jerry and Karen’s first home was in Los Angeles, California. Because of Jerry’s naval career, over the years they would make their home in Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, Philippines, Virginia (again), California (again), Illinois and Boone, Iowa, which has been their home for the past 35 years.
Karen was a devoted mother to her five children along with being a dedicated volunteer at Boone County Hospital and Eastern Star Nursing Home. Karen was a faithful member and volunteer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She also loved women’s basketball, especially Iowa State. She and Jerry enjoyed attending the games together. Karen was also an avid reader. She often fell asleep with a book on her chest.
Karen is survived by her husband of 57 years Jerry Anderson; children, David (Monica) Anderson of Pequannock, NJ, Kate (Travis) Anderson of Des Moines, IA, Judy (Brent) Nelson of Boone, IA, Joe (Diana) Anderson of Rochester Hills, MI, and Jessica Anderson of Grimes, IA; grandchildren, Francis, Abby, Kennedy, Anna, Joseph, Sophia, Jacob, Jack, Naomi, Timothy, William, Peter; great-grandchildren, Gracie and Nayla; sister, Kathleen (Philip) Kohler of Ankeny, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Bernard; mother, Madgel; sister, Kay; brother, Butch; brother, John and baby boy, Paul Jonathan.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 915 12th Street, Boone, with Rev. Timothy Johnson officiating. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to the Boone Area Humane Society, 226 West 16th Street, Boone, IA 50036, www.bahs.us.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Karen’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com
Karen Anderson, 86, Boone, Iowa and the Eastern Star Masonic Home, Boone, Iowa
