Karen Ann Ites was born 7/14/1944 to Robert and Ruth (Meyer) Ites. She grew up on her family’s farm outside of Alden, Iowa. Karen graduated in 1962 from Alden High School. She was named Harvest Ball Queen and was also a contestant for the 1963 Miss Iowa Falls Pageant. Karen was a member of the Alden basketball team where she was named to the second all-conference team as a guard.
Karen married Jack Lykam at St Mark’s Lutheran Church in Davenport on June 20, 1981. He predeceased her in 2018.
Karen’s first job was working at Alden State Bank. She later worked at Elliott Flying Service. She retired from John Deere in 2009, after thirty years, where she did payroll for John Deere Parts Distribution Center in Milan.
Karen enjoyed travel, listening to music, dancing, playing cards, and going out to eat since she “only had a kitchen because it came with the house”. She had a deep love for all animals, but she adored dogs along with petting every dog or cat she happened across. Most of all she loved to laugh and gently tease. Her family considered her to be sunshine personified. She will be deeply missed.
Those left to honor her memory include:
daughter Deborah (Jerry) Brown, Bettendorf, daughter Deanna (Eddy Christian) Johnson, Davenport;
grandchildren: John (Amanda Brissman) Brown, Jason (Beth) Brown, of Bettendorf;
great grandchildren: Alyssa, J.J., Lillith, and Luke Brown;
brother Larry (Jackie) Ites, Alden, Iowa, nephew Shawn (Monique) Ites, great niece, Mady Ites.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and dear sister in law, Patti.
Memorials may be made to King’s Harvest Animal Shelter, Scott County Humane Society, or the Clarissa Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf.
Funeral services will be Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 10 am at The Runge Mortuary. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 pm at the mortuary. Interment will be at Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport.
