Karen Ann Kruckenberg-Stadtlander-Ulrich, daughter of Arnold and Wilma (Walker) Kruckenberg was born on February 17, 1948, in Hampton, IA. Karen was surrounded by her daughters and passed away on January 21, 2024, at the age of 75.
Karen attended and graduated from Rockwell Swaledale in 1966. She was united in marriage to Dennis (Denny) Stadtlander June 10, 1966, from this beloved union became their family with 2 daughters, Dee and Dawn. They moved from Mason City to Armstrong, IA in 1969.
Karen loved being around people and working in the industry to serve, brought her many good times and happy memories. Karen was a consistent valued employee of the iconic little corner restaurant in Armstrong. Her loyalty to the three different owners brought her as much joy as making morning cinnamon rolls for the loyal customers of Kozy Korner Kafe. Other positions Karen enjoyed included: Shopko Pharmacy in Fairmont and cooking for the children at Armstrong-Ringsted Community School. After Denny passed away from cancer in 1984. Karen married Robert (Bob) Ulrich. Bob passed away from cancer in 2018. They enjoyed 33 years together. Their united passion was seasonal camping at Fox Lake Campground and Three Fingers Campground, NASCAR racing, Iowa Hawkeyes and watching their grandchildren during athletic events. Karen always proudly cheered for her grandsons during their success with State Football and her granddaughters State softball memories. Family was her pride and joy.
Karen was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church. She enjoyed her few years in the church choir and teaching Sunday school.
Left to cherish Karen’s memory are her two daughters, Dee and her husband Steve Jensen of Ringsted, IA, and Dawn Looft of Fairmont, MN. Grandchildren, Ethan (Katie) Jensen, Clyve (Amanda) Jensen, DJ (Anna Bruns) Looft, Dylan Looft, and Dena Looft. Great-Grandchildren; Zoey, Chloe and newest Baby Jensen in May, and Jacob Looft. Brother, Larry Kruckenberg, nephew Kurt and niece Kandee.
Karen is proceeded in death by her parents Wilma and Arnold, her stepfather Victor (Bud) Scholl, both husbands Denny Stadtlander and Bob Ulrich, her in-laws Edward and Marvel Stadtlander and Frank and Kate Ulrich.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Armstrong, with burial to follow in Armstrong Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm.
Online condolences may be offered at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
