September 19, 1932 – September 27, 2025
Karen Irene Symonds, 93, of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Heritage Care Center in Mason City. Just a week earlier, her family was blessed to gather and celebrate her 93rd birthday, creating cherished memories together.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave N., Clear Lake, with Mark Doebel officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the cemetery, with a reception and luncheon at the Prime and Wine, where all are welcome to join the family in fellowship.
Karen was born on September 19, 1932, in Cumberland, Iowa, the daughter of Clifford and Anna (Ecklin) Edwards. On April 18, 1950, she was united in marriage to Bill Symonds, and together they built a beautiful life and raised five children.
In 1962, the family settled in Lenox, Iowa, where Bill owned and operated Tri-State Equipment while Karen managed Semonzio’s Pizza in Creston. Their entrepreneurial spirit continued in 1969 when they moved to Kirksville, Missouri, and opened Kareno’s Pizza. Two years later, they made their home in Clear Lake, where Karen operated Mama’s Pizza for several years. She later worked as a cook and waitress at Caesar’s Pizza, the Golden Goose, and the Harbor Inn, all while helping Bill with Lake Equipment.
Karen was a gifted bowler, known for her competitive spirit and skill on the lanes. She was a member of many leagues, often rolling 200-plus games, and proudly competed in state and national tournaments, including trips to Las Vegas. At home, she was equally talented in the kitchen. Family and friends will fondly remember her angel food cakes, potato salad, lasagna, and meatloaf—dishes that became family favorites and traditions. She loved browsing cookbooks for inspiration, always eager to try new recipes.
Above all, Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured having her loved ones close by, celebrating milestones together, and being an active and loving presence in their lives. Karen is survived by her five children, Diana Symonds of Clear Lake, Gerald (Jill) Symonds of Rockwell, JoAnn Copas of Mason City, Brian (Tammy) Symonds of Clear Lake, and Sharon Friest of Plymouth; fifteen grandchildren, Andrew (Dara) Wick, Elizabeth (Dave) Haag, Quinn Symonds, William (Rachel) Symonds, Tony Symonds, Heather Copas, Adrian Copas, Samantha Copas, Matthew Symonds, Mina Symonds, Tiffany Symonds, Travis Symonds, Amanda (Allen) Wacek, Kenneth Friest, and Jacob Friest; several great grandchildren; brother, Gary (Gayle) Edwards of Ames; and numerous nieces nephews and friends.
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