November 25, 1938 – January 29, 2026
Karen Lee Wetzstein, age 87 of Lake View, IA, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at her home.
Karen Lee Spurling was born on November 25, 1938, in Early, IA, to Kenneth and Leona (Albrecht) Spurling. She was baptized on December 26, 1938, by her uncle, Rev. Alfred Render, and confirmed on March 29, 1953, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Lake View. Karen grew up in Lake View and graduated from Lake View High School with the Class of 1957.
Following high school, Karen attended the Iowa Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Des Moines, where she earned her Registered Nursing degree. She devoted her life to caring for others, working for several years as an operating room nurse before serving as the school nurse for the Wall Lake View Auburn School District for 20 years.
Karen was blessed with three daughters—Anne, Jeanne, and Erin—who were the joy of her life. When her girls were young, she volunteered as a Girl Scout leader. She loved music, cherished time with family, and remained active in her church throughout her life. Karen’s gentle spirit, kindness, and dedication to others touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply and lovingly missed.
She is survived by her daughters: Anne Stein of Des Moines, IA, Jeanne Delathouder of Birmingham, AL, and Erin (Louie) Crispin of Nebraska City, NE; grandchildren: Jacob Bock, Haley (Brenden) Volkman, Lexi Bock (Ryan Tejral), and Josslyn Crispin; great-grandchildren: Teagan, Tenley, Kingston, and Kendall; brother Kenneth (Suzanne) Spurling of Lakeland, FL; sisters: Norma (Gene) Seymour of Libertyville, IL, Myrna (Gary) Floyd of Columbus, OH, Judy Moyer of Omaha, NE, Linda Spurling of Sarasota, FL, and Darlene (Ed) Ames of West Des Moines, IA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and dear friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Leona Spurling; brother-in-law Jack Moyer; and son-in-law Ryan Braaksma.
Her memory will remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
farberotteman.com