Karen Wallace
Karen Wallace, age 80, of Storm Lake, Iowa, formerly of Manson, Iowa died Friday, October 4, 2024 at her residence.
Memorial services will take place Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Manson, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the CHURCH. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Karen Ruth Polhamus was born November 6, 1943 to Albert and Ruth (Ghent) Polhamus in Newton, Iowa. She grew up attending school at Runnells School, graduating in 1962.
On September 26, 1964, Karen was united in marriage to Melvin Dwayne Wallace Jr. in Runnells, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Michelle, Scott, and Susan. Karen and Dwayne started a life together in Runnells, then later moved to Des Moines and Grimes. In 1979, they settled in Manson, Iowa two days after a tornado had struck the town.
As her children reached school age, Karen worked at the Manson Journal and had a weekly column called “My Best Shot”. She worked as a school secretary for years. Karen later served as church secretary for the United Methodist Church in Manson. She started the Single Mom’s Ministry through the church and touched the lives of numerous women for many years. She was also a member of the church choir. Karen was passionate about music. She enjoyed being a part of the Meridian and Sonshine Singers. Karen was also very creative. In her free time, she enjoyed photography, painting, writing, and sewing. She was her grandchildren’s biggest fan and enjoyed supporting them in their various activities. Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish Karen’s memory include her beloved husband, Dwayne Wallace of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Michelle (Rob) Dugger of Mount Vernon, Iowa; Scott Wallace (Chellene Hall) of Penrose, Colorado; Susan (Kerry) Edwards of Storm Lake, Iowa; grandchildren: Ryan Dugger; Nick (Carissa) Dugger; Jonny Dugger; Matthew (Loralei) Edwards; Miles and Adley Edwards; great-grandchild: Maisyn Dugger; sister-in-law: Louise Peckham; extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Albert and Ruth Polhamus; brother: Allen Polhamus; sisters-in-law: Pat Hesselgren and Charlotte Brown; and parents-in-law: Melvin and Marian Wallace.