Obituaries

Karen D Gerhartz

May 20, 1940 - Nov. 22, 2025 - Glenwood, IA

Karen D Gerhartz

Glenwood IA

Karen D. Gerhartz (Schroeder), 85, a resident of Glenwood, IA, formerly of Stockbridge, WI passed away at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs with Peggy and Ron at her side.

Karen was employed with Tecumseh Products in New Holstein, WI for 47 years. She lived in her home on Union Street in Stockbridge for 62 years. 

Karen was preceded in passing by her son Peter Jr. and daughter Pamela Leiker. Survivors include her children Cindy (Alex) Harantcavage of Overton, TX, daughter-in-law Donna Gerhartz of Warrenville, IL, Perry Gerhartz of Wakefield, MI, Paul (Penny) Gerhartz of Coleman, WI, Patricia McCoy of Independence, OR, Peggy (Ron) Sarno, Glenwood, IA. Aunt, Jeanine Koehler of Appleton, WI, Brother-in-law Edward (Dolly) Gerhartz, Brother-in-Law Eugene (Christine) Funk, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, Nieces, nephews, extended relatives and life long friends.  

No public services will be held. 

Memorial donations can be sent to:
Mills County Storehouse/Food Pantry 
PO Box 289, Glenwood, IA 51534


“I would like to thank The Heritage at Fox Run and Glen Haven Village for being so kind to my Mom and giving her so much love. You treated her like your own family and I love that my Mom was so Happy every single day! She was my Best Friend… I will miss her.” Peggy Sarno 

Condolences


I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. First of all, I want to thank you for being an amazing daughter you did so many wonderful things for your mom and I know she truly appreciated them. Karen was a huge positive influence in my life. We spent MANY Friday nights in the Kaukauna Alanon meeting and traveling together to intergroups. She taught me so much and was such a role model by the way she lived her life. She was so dearly missed by all of us. I truly believe God puts people in your life to point you in the right direction. Karen was that guiding light for me. Rest in peace in the loving arms of the Lord

Gail Bowers Mckay (Friend) 2025-12-08 11:20:26

So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. It was always nice to see Karen over the years when I had been back to visit in Stockbridge. May all of your happy memories bring you comfort as you grieve her loss.

Julie and Noel Bushor (Friends of Peggy) 2025-11-29 17:40:21

My thoughts are with all of you! Karen was a fun person to know and share time with. Back when we were all much younger I played softball with her on The Black Cat team. She was the best first base person on any team and lots of fun after games when we all shared a beer...actually we each had our own!

Mary Hoerth Muellenbach (Old friend) 2025-11-28 19:16:03

Dear Perry, Paul, Patty and Peggy-I am so sorry for your loss. Back in the day, I babysat for you after school until your mom got home from work. Most days you were great kids and there were a few times you were full of shenanigans. I remember Peter and Perry had the chicken pox and must have been very tired of being cooped up in the house. You waited for my arrival and Peter took off out of the living room window and Perry out of the door on the northside. I chased you two to no avail. And then another time all of you were to be sleeping and then I heard one of you call my name to come to the stsirway. I opened the door and many, many, many of your toys came tumbling down the mattress you silently slid down the steps. All I heard was laughter and giggles and I couldn’t help but laugh myself. I agree with her grandson David that your mom was a fighter and moved forward. I also remember her heartache with Pam’s diagnosis. I always enjoyed our talks and seeing her heart warming smile. Peggy, you weren’t born yet when I babysat. Thank you for taking such good care of your mom. RIP Karen.

Kathy Keuler Kraus (Friend) 2025-11-28 18:40:16

Dear Peggy and Ron, my. deepest sympathy to you and the Gerhartz family. Peg, you certainly gave your mom the love every mom deserves. God bless you always. You were happy because you knew she was happy and always well taken care of. You can always be proud of that. Blessings to you always, it was so well deserved. Hugs Rest in peace, Karen.

Carole Wolf (Neighbor) 2025-11-28 16:44:25

So sorry to hear of Karen's passing, my deepest sympathy to the family.

Dean Joas (Cousin ) 2025-11-28 15:13:03

My deepest condolences to a woman who made thanksgiving special and brought love and warmth in blustery times. How I would've loved to see her one last time, I bet she was just as much a delight as I can remember. Warm memories of that stockbridge home will forever fill my heart. Best wishes and regards to all who knew her. Rest peacefully grandma, you are missed. I love you!

Christopher Gerhartz (Grandson) 2025-11-28 10:30:45

To the Family of Karen, I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing and express my deepest Sympathies. I had the pleasure of spending many Sunday afternoons out at the historical society working/visiting with Karen and enjoyed our lovely conversations. She was a wonderful lady and talked of you often with great pride. Again I am sorry for your loss

Debbie Barany (Calumet Historical Society Member) 2025-11-28 08:27:00

Our deepest condolences to Perry and all family members. May you look back on the precious memories and find peace and comfort. Truly sorry for your loss.

Mark and Brenda Burt (Friends) 2025-11-28 07:19:36

Dear Peggy and Ron, It was inspiring to see you travel to Stockbridge and spend such quality time with your Mom. I know how hard you worked to beautify her yard and home when you came, and it was easy to see her happiness was a priority for you as you constantly showered her with love and gave her your full attention and support. Know that I am sending you love and prayers.Sandra at Vern's Cheese

Sandra Buhl (Friend) 2025-11-27 22:27:41

So sorry for your loss Peggy. Karen was a beautiful spirit and will be missed by me daily. Karen was one of a kind!

Melissa Costanzo (Nurse - Glen Haven) 2025-11-27 10:47:53

Peggy & Ron. Condolences to you and Family. We know how close you were to your Mom. Karen was a good neighbor to us and we missed her when she left. For some reason she was on our minds of late. Really sorry for your loss. Take care Lyle & Linda Behnke

Lyle L and Linda S Behnke (Neighbor) 2025-11-27 10:15:26

In our Lutheran family you really know someone if they belong to Lutheran Women in Mission. After having met Karen at a missionary league convention she ended up in Glenwood. Several in the Council Bluffs zone then made their acquaintance with Karen. She was ever cheerful and friendly. And now we are glad she rests in peace with her Lord.

Jean Jaskierny (LWML sister) 2025-11-27 08:09:45

I Always Enjoyed Your Mom.Thank for When You Kept in Touch. Take Care During This Loss. My Mother Died in 2008 and Sister Mary in 2O23.I still Will Think,"Oh,I Have to Call About..." and Then Remember,They are Not There Anymore. ????

Lois Wagner-Forstner (Friend) 2025-11-26 23:12:53

I will miss you Grandma!!! I'm Peter jr. Gerhartz daughter who recently passed as well, so many good memories with my grandma Karen, she will be missed and I love you

Jessica Gerhartz (Grand daughter ) 2025-11-26 20:38:59

I could never have a better mother-in-law than Karen. She was so kind and wonderful. There was never a mean word out of her mouth. She was a good Christian.

Penny Gerhartz (Daughter-in-law) 2025-11-26 19:19:48

u will be missed dearly rest in peace

sandra goeser (freind) 2025-11-26 18:41:37

Peggy/Ron-Deepest condolences to you and your family. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you. Losing a parent is never easy, but we hope you find comfort in the love they gave and the memories you created together. You were such a devoted daughter and your mother knew how much you loved her and how devoted you were! Love you both!

Trish and Bryce (Ron and Peggy’s neighbors) 2025-11-26 18:29:00

Karen was full of life and love. She was kind to everyone she met. She maintained her positive attitude and zeal , regardless of her circumstances. She loved her family and The Lord with all her heart. I was blessed to be a good friend for many years. She taught me a lot about patience. I will miss you my friend but will always cherish our memories. Love you.

Marilyn Besch (Friend) 2025-11-26 17:03:21

Peggy I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. I loved her smile, it could light us a room. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything. Ms. Karen, fly high my friend you will be greatly missed!

Judy ring (Glen Haven Staff/ Friend) 2025-11-26 16:46:19

Peggy and Family, My sincere condolences to all of you. I feel blessed to have known Karen almost my whole life. She took me to Colorado for Patricias graduation, ive never forgotten a single moment of that trip. Without her taking me along I'd have never had that experience. Shortly after she moved to Iowa, my daughter and grandson visited her there. She was as happy to see us as we were to see her. I have so many good memories of and with Karen. Times I'll never forget. Rest in peace my friend! ??

Kathy Kuhn (Friend ) 2025-11-26 16:20:22

It took a special lady to not let alone have the patience but you alway fought hard an fought forward. You had strong will and determination ! Life may have taken your thoughts but you may sleep peacefully an we will remember you forever. We love you gramma

david m hawley (Grandson) 2025-11-26 16:15:18

Peggy and family, I'm so glad your Mom was surrounded by caring people .... We too will be celebrating our first Thanksgiving without Mom .... May the days ahead be filled with wonderful memories and comfort in your hearts .... Moms are a true treasure .... Love to you all ????????

Suzi Bowe (Family Friend) 2025-11-26 16:15:05

I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends she was an amazing woman and I miss her terribly and knew her through her son Paul

Michelle Pompa (Friend) 2025-11-26 16:13:20

It took a special lady to not let alone have the patience but you alway fought hard an fought forward. You had strong will and determination ! Life may have taken your thoughts but you may sleep peacefully an we will remember you forever. We love you gramma

david m hawley (Grandson) 2025-11-26 16:04:52


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