Rev. Karen Dearchs, 88, of Algona, died Monday, July 13, 2026, at her home after a life devoted to education, Christian ministry, family and service to others.
Karen Nona Groe Kirchner Dearchs was born February 18, 1938, in rural Worth County to Orlin Benjamin and Norma Ruth Madson Groe.
She grew up in North Iowa and attended Hartland No. 4 country school through eighth grade before graduating from Northwood High School in 1955.
Karen continued her education at Iowa State Teacher’s College from 1955 to 1957, earning a two-year teaching certificate.
Her professional life began in the classroom.
According to her obituary, Karen taught second grade in the Sioux City school system from 1957 to 1961 and in Sergeant Bluff from 1961 to 1963. She later worked as a teacher’s associate in Mason City from 1970 to 1973.
Her path eventually led from education into ministry.
Karen returned to college in 1980, taking Iowa State University extension courses in Mason City and earning a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree in 1981.
She then enrolled at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1984. She later completed much of the coursework toward a master’s degree in spiritual direction at Creighton University.
Karen was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in the United Methodist Church on Pentecost Sunday in 1987.
Her ministry touched congregations across Iowa and beyond.
She served as supply pastor at Gays Mills Congregational Church from 1981 to 1982, student pastor at Epworth United Methodist Church from 1982 to 1985, and later served full-time appointments at State Center United Methodist Church and Minerva Wesley Chapel from 1985 to 1990.
She went on to serve Hornick and Smithland United Methodist churches and Rodney UCC Church from 1990 to 1996, followed by Renwick and Goldfield United Methodist churches from 1996 until her retirement from full-time ministry in 2005.
Before entering ministry full time, Karen also worked at the Hy-Vee bakery in Algona beginning in 1979.
Her obituary notes that Karen valued the friendships and support she found through several organizations, including the Bel Canto music group of Algona, Federated Women’s Group of Algona, TOPS chapters in several communities and Iowa Women in Ministry.
Those clergy friendships stretched back more than three decades.
Family remained a central part of Karen’s life.
She was part of a large family spanning several generations and took particular joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.
According to her obituary, family gatherings often included meals, weekend visits, travel, camping and games of UNO and Phase Ten.
Karen also loved reading, often finishing several books in a week.
She enjoyed crocheting afghans and prayer shawls and made many afghans for nieces and nephews. She also treasured outings and time spent with friends.
Karen is survived by her daughters, Laurie and Bruce, Debra and Tom, and Janet; sons Kevin, Mark and Tom and Roger; grandchildren Melissa and Jamie, Nate, Mandy, Neil and Angie, Bronson, Lena and Giancarlo, Austin, Ben and Amaya, Josi, and Sunny and Charlie; great-grandchildren Cora, Elijah, Zaden, Zacaious, Laurelei, Rae, Heaven, Bonnie and Isaac; and great-great-grandson Astren.
She is also survived by her sister, Linda; brothers John and Beverly and Brian and Diana; sisters-in-law Mary, Liz and Linda; and many other relatives and friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Orlin and Norma Groe; daughter Lisa; grandson Nickolas; great-grandson Kail; sister Elsa and her partner, Barb; brothers Charles, Wayne and Lynn; brother-in-law Griff; niece Becky; nephew Noel; and her children’s father and former husband, Dwight.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 201 East Nebraska Street in Algona.
The service is scheduled to continue until approximately 11:45 a.m.
Family members will greet relatives and friends during a time of fellowship in the church fellowship hall following the service.
Inurnment will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Lake Mills at a later date.
Lentz Funeral Home of Algona is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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