Karen Margaret Bowles, formerly of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away on October 3, 2026, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Karen was born July 25, 1947, to Olin and Marynel Boyer in Ottumwa, Iowa.

On June 1, 1969, she married Jim Bowles in Memphis, MO. He survives.

Karen earned her BS in Education in 1968 and her master’s degree in 1969 from Northeast Missouri State College (now Truman University). She taught Business Education at Mark Twain High School in Center Missouri and upon moving to LaPlata Missouri worked as a secretary at J. Bergman Auto Parts in Kirksville.

In 1976 Jim and Karen moved to Keokuk, Iowa. She served as a room mother for several years and volunteered with the Relay for Life. Karen spent many happy hours playing Bunco and meeting friends for lunch. She was a former member of PEO Chapter U in Keokuk. Jim and Karen were active members of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Karen volunteered at Lexington Square Nursing Home for several years. She spent many hours helping with bingo and worked with the State of Iowa Long Term Care Ombudsman as a patient advocate.

Karen is survived by her husband Jim of Rochester, Minnesota; their son Brian, daughter-in-law Meriann; grandchildren Kaylee and Andrew of Rochester, Minnesota.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents.

A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester, Minnesota with Macken Funeral Home handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mayo Hospice Program or Mayo Research for Ovarian Cancer.