- Date Of Birth: March 27, 1942
- Date Of Death: August 2, 2012
- State: Iowa
Karen Kay Holder of Chariton passed away peacefully Thursday, August 2nd, 2012. She was born March 27, 1942 in Seymour, IA to Claude (Jack) McKee and Joy (Kincade) McKee.
She attended LA Grange Country School, Franklin Elementary School, Alma Clay and graduated from Chariton High School in 1960 where she enjoyed baton twirling and archery.
Upon graduation she married her Junior High sweetheart, George Holder and was blessed with three children, Angela, Jack and Lisa.
Her many accomplishments included:
She was a member of the Chariton Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary and was instrumental in researching and publishing the History of the Chariton Fire Department, dating back from 1877-1981, as well as in 1975 publishing the Fire Fighters Favorite Cookbook and also enjoyed her leadership role with the Chariton Fireman’s banquet for 25 years.
Organizes the original Lucas County Friendship Force where she was involved with exchanges to Australia, Japan, Columbia, Hong Kong, Korea, Germany, Ireland and Russia. She enjoyed hosting several exchange groups in her home and made many lasting friendships.
Proud of her involvement and commitment to Rotary International.
Actively served as Chairmen of the Board of Directors for Southgate for several years.
Karen’s many interests included Red Cross swim instructor, photography, oil painting, travel, genealogy. She was most passionate for golf where she enjoyed organizing and photographing the Parent Child Golf tournament.
Her greatest treasures were her grandchildren, Jesse, Laci, Morgan, Clay, Sarah and Frank. A yearly family weekend trip was a highlight for her to plan and made sure to include at least one educational activity. To commemorate the fun, she created a DVD for each family to enjoy.
Karen is survived by her husband George and their three children, Angela (Dirk) Rosenberger of Indianola, IA; Jack Holder of Sully, IA and Lisa (Gus) Carmona of Rye Brook, NY; grandchildren Morgan and Clay Rosenberger, Jesse and Laci Holder and Sarah and Frank Carmona; her mother Joy McKee of Chariton, IA; sister Linda (Bob) Allen of Allerton, IA and several nieces and nephews whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her father Claude (Jack) McKee.
