Karen Munch

Karen was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on July 22, 1938 to Merrit and Irene (Wells) Gardner.

Following 8th grade, she moved with her family to Iowa where she graduated from Indianola High School.

After graduating from high school, Karen attended Graceland Junior College in 1958. Following her graduation from Graceland, Karen took classes from Simpson College and Iowa State University. While studying, she worked in the Office of Publications for Simpson College.

Karen married Trefor Munch on August 12, 1961. Together, they lived in Ogden, Ames, Oskaloosa, and Ankeny, where they lived for 54 years and raised their children.

Karen was an accomplished musician and shared her gift of music through the piano, organ and clarinet. While at Simpson College, Karen taught clarinet lessons to high school students. She also served as the piano accompanist for high school solo contests.

Karen was a member of the American Guild of Organists. She used her talent to volunteer her time to play the organ for church services, weddings, and funerals. Often she would accompany her husband, Trefor, as he sang for church services, weddings, and other events.

One of her greatest joys was listening to her children and grandchildren sing and play instruments.

Karen enjoyed taking vacations with her family; especially camping in the national parks and being part of nature. She enjoyed cooking and sharing meals and special desserts with family and friends.

Her position as a librarian associate in the Des Moines Public Schools allowed her to share her love of literature with children. Karen enjoyed reading to her grandchildren, and often volunteered in their classrooms reading to the students. She worked with the children at the schools to find their interests, to help foster a love of reading. Karen always had a book ready to share.

Family was always Karen’s joy. She was very involved in the activities of her children and grandchildren. You could always find Karen cheering them on for their sporting events, concerts, and other performances.

Karen is survived by her husband Trefor of 60 years; son Fred (Valerie) Munch of Orondo, WA, Kristen Cox of Ankeny, IA, Trevor (Shari) Munch of West Des Moines, IA, and Ellen (Chad) Thompson of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren Matt (Kelly) Munch, Shelby Cox, Meghan Munch, Eli Munch, Anna Thompson, and Henry Thompson; her sister Sheila (Delbert) Coonfare; sisters-in-law Mavis Munch and Nancy Hohbach, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.