In loving memory of

Karen L. Wetzstein

November 25, 1938 - January 29, 2026
From: Lake View, IA
Karen L. Wetzstein

Karen L. Wetzstein

Born: November 25, 1938
Died: January 29, 2026
Age: 87
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   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; son-in-law Ryan Braaksma; and nephew-in-law Brenden Shea.
   Her memory will remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
SERVICES
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m., Saturday
February 28, 2026
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Lake View, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Reverend Donald E. Peterson III
VISITATION
5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday
February 27, 2026
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Lake View, Iowa
INTERMENT
At a later date
Wall Lake Cemetery
Wall Lake, Iowa

Condolences

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 1:56 PM
“Oh how sad I am to read Mrs Wetzstein's obituary this evening. She was my Sunday school teacher MOONS ago when I was just a little girl. Age 3-5ish. 50+ years ago may I add. To remember someone when I was so young, and how she touched my heart, is very telling. She, along with the Kramers', will always be ppl I have memories of at Emmanuel Lutheran church. I remember her having a big heart and very pretty daughters! Rest assured, she's in her heavenly home surrounded by so many who went before her. May she rest in peace and may God provide the strength her loved ones need as they mourn. ”
- Jonna Luckow
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8:18 AM
“My deepest sympathies. Sending my love to all the girls! ”
- Karen Smith-McNeese
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:07 PM
“Karen was a joy to be with and I am so glad that I was able to be with her on several National LWML Convention bus trips. ”
- Nancy Schoen
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:07 PM
“Sending sympathy to all of Karen's family. She will be missed. Sue Kolbe”
- Sue Kolbe
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 1:27 PM
“We are saddened by the news of Karen's death. We remember Karen's vibrant and respectful personality. Her smile was a gift to so many of us. We give thanks to God for the rich faith that inspired her to be a person of character. We were blessed by her life.”
- Kim and Fay Henning
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:11 AM
“Karen was such a wonderful lady! I remember co-teaching Sunday school classes with the little 3 and 4 year okds with her! She was always do good with them. I'm gonna miss seeing her smile, and her hats, in church! She did love wearing those beautiful hats to church! May God comfort her family!”
- LuAnn & Mike Norris
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:11 AM
“Karen was a second Mom to me in early childhood. We had many sleepovers and play dates growing up with the girls. She always gave me a hug whenever I would see her and her personality always made me smile. I loved sitting in front of her in church listening to her sing, trying to match her voice. You will be missed Karen. Hugs to Jeanne, Ann, and Erin. Love you all, my sisters forever. ”
- Jody Witzel
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:11 AM
“Karen was a loving caring person who loved life and was there for others. Working with her at WLVA was a very rewarding experience. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.”
- steve nuetzman
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 2:54 PM
“Thoughts and prayers to Karen's family.”
- Mindy Radloff
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 2:08 PM
“I will always remember the hilarious times at the Wetzstein house. Karen was always an upbeat encourager who hosted many sleepovers for the Chambers sisters and tolerated our late night giggle antics. I am so glad I reconnected with her in September at my mother's funeral. Karen was a precious woman, and we can rejoice she is with her Savoir. Sending love and sympathy to my childhood girlfriends Anne, Jeanne and Erin. Mary Chambers Smith”
- Mary (Chambers) Smith
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 9:09 AM
“Karen was my LWML sister-in-CHrist and a relative through the Wetzstein family. We had many fun times at conventions at Camp Okoboji. I will miss her dearly. Sympathy to your families. Judy Lange Rozek”
- Judy Lange Rozek
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 4:56 PM
“Deepest Sympathy to all the family.”
- Mike & K'Lee Naberhaus
Monday, February 2, 2026 at 2:31 PM
“Our sympathies to Karen's family. Karen became our sister when she cared for us two summers while Mom was taking classes for her Masters. It was in good times chock full of laughs. She remains a much-loved part of our family. Heart-felt condolences.”
- Jane Croll and Sara Thompson
Monday, February 2, 2026 at 11:03 AM
“Karen was a Christian and showed it many times. She will be missed by everyone. Sending Prayers and Hugs to the family. May God Guide you through this journey. ”
- Rebecca Peters
Monday, February 2, 2026 at 10:52 AM
“My deepest sympathies to Karen's family. She was an amazing lady. Rest in Peace. Prayers”
- John & Teresa Drilling
Monday, February 2, 2026 at 10:52 AM
“Swnding Heartfelt condolences to Karen's family, Ann, Jeannie, and Erin. Memories are cherished treasures. Air hugs***”
- Larry Raine
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