It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Karen Ann (Baker) Kofron, age 85, of Forest City, lost her battle to cancer and passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on February 24, 2025.
A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 246 S Clark Street in Forest City, on March 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Family and friends are also invited to join in honoring this incredible woman who gave so much to all of us during visitation the evening before at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Karen was born on a farm near Klemme, Iowa on April 13, 1939 to George and Verna (Andreasen) Baker. She attended a few country schools in the area before she graduated from Hayfield, IA in 1956.
In 1958, she was married and stayed home throughout those early years raising her children – Ricky Lee, Christy Lynne, Lori Ann, and Darin Eugene. Following a dissolution, Karen moved her family to Forest City and worked for Winnebago. She married Bernie Kofron in 1971. Together they had a son, Bernie Jr, and later each of her four children were adopted by Bernie Sr.
A lifelong resident of Forest City, Karen was a beacon of faith, family, and unwavering love. She dedicated her life to caring for her home, her husband, and most of all, her family. Sundays – when the kitchen always smelled of comfort food as they prepared the family’s traditional Sunday dinner. Those Sunday gatherings at the farm were her highlight of every week, where Karen would proudly listen to stories of her children and grandchildren’s upcoming events, jokes, and achievements.
Her love for her family was unmatched. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, always attending the events and milestones of those she held so dear. Whether it was a recital, a sporting event, or a family wedding, Karen’s presence was a source of joy and support.
Karen was the epitome of what it means to be a loving, committed wife. Her devotion to her husband Bernie was an example to all who knew them. Together, they weathered life’s highs and lows, always side by side, sharing a love that deepened with each passing year. She belonged to the North Iowa Angler Fishing Club, and helped manage the Southtown Speedway Go Kart Track. The two looked forward to traveling, but especially their trips to Canada and annual fishing trips to the Ballard’s Resort in Minnesota.
Her faith in God was her guiding light, and it was through her steadfast belief that her family found comfort and strength. She instilled in her grandchildren the importance of grace, kindness, and the power of karma. Her legacy is one of devotion, faith, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
Karen shared her life with her husband of 53 years, Bernie; her children, Rick (Cindy) Kofron of Forest City, Christy (Chuck) Smoley of Forest City, Lori (Deb Taylor) Kofron of Missouri, Darin (David Perkins) Kofron of California, and Bernie Jr. (RoAnn) Kofron of Carroll; grandchildren, Mandi Kofron, Amy Kofron, Hannah Spear, Hailey Kofron, Tanner Smoley, Brennon Kofron, Makalei Kofron, Trisha Kofron, and Trevor Kofron; great-grandchildren, Trinity Williams, Nick Williams, Garrett Wilson, Chloe Wilson, Josey Spear, Elijah Spear, Jaden Spear; and many family members and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and her mother and father-in-law.
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