October 6, 1958 – January 16, 2026
Karen Justine Stensrude, age 67, of Lake Mills, Iowa, passed away from natural causes at her home on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Karen’s family and close friends will hold a private celebration of her life at a later date.
Karen was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Constance and Dr. Robert Brainerd. The youngest of four siblings, she spent her early years in LuVerne before the family settled in Lake Mills. She attended Lake Mills Community School and later Brown College, where she studied radio broadcasting. Karen pursued her passion as a radio broadcaster and was recognized for decades for her distinctive radio voice.
A lifelong dreamer and entrepreneur, Karen founded a restaurant in Clear Lake, the Blue Moon Saloon in Scarville, and an Aquamassage business in Mason City, in addition to her work at Winnebago Industries. She later returned to school at Buena Vista University, earning a bachelor’s degree in human services and reigniting her love of learning.
Karen was married to Gene Stensrude, with whom she had two children, and later divorced. Karen often said that her greatest blessings were her two children, Spencer and Justine. They always knew her as their number one fan, their fiercest supporter, and their most loyal advocate. Widely considered the life of the party, Karen had a gift for bringing people together. She enjoyed reading fantasy books, playing video and card games, watching sports with friends, and laughing with those she loved most, especially her beloved sister and best friend, Heather Brainerd.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Constance and Dr. Robert Brainerd; her sister-in-law, Marilyn Brainerd; and four grandchildren lost before birth.
Left to remember her fondly are her children and their spouses, Spencer and Sherri Stensrude, and Justine Stensrude and Grant Mosey; her four grandchildren, Collin Kollasch, Madelyn Kollasch, Josh Hanson, and Alexander Stensrude; her siblings, Robert Brainerd, Heather Brainerd, and Barrett Brainerd; her longtime friend Bruce Cooper; her dear nieces and nephew, Mike Ingebretson, Amanda Delzer, and Kimberly Blackmore, and their spouses; along with many cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a wide circle of friends who were fortunate to be part of her life.
Karen will be remembered for her curiosity, her warmth, her unmistakable spirit, and her unwavering love for her family and friends.
An avid reader and lover of words, Karen would likely have had a few edits of her own and no doubt could have written this better herself.
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