Karen Ann Alderson

Karen Ann Alderson, age 78, of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union, IA. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am., Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at the Ossian Lutheran Church, with Rev. Terry Landsgaard residing. Burial will be in Cass Township Cemetery in Strawberry Point, IA. The family will greet friends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Ossian Lutheran Church.

Karen Ann Alderson was born on August 2nd, 1947, the daughter of Merle and Zelda (Gray) Alderson in Caledonia, MN. Karen was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Elgin, IA. Karen grew up and lived in Clermont, IA, with her parents and her sister, Linda. Following her high school graduation from Valley of CEW School in 1965, Karen attended Upper Iowa University, where she received her bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation, she earned her master’s degree in library science from the University of Denver. Karen’s early career included working as a librarian for the Alburnett Community School District while living in Walker, IA. She then moved to Omaha, NE, and worked for the College of St. Mary. After that, she relocated to Mason City, IA, to work for the Mason City Public Library. She spent many years of her life serving the North Linn Community School District while living in the Marion and Cedar Rapids, IA area. Upon a fulfilling career, she retired in 2009.

Following her retirement, she continued her passion as a licensed private investigator for many years. Karen had many accomplishments throughout her life, which included being a member of the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, where she was named the Find-a-Fellow campaign winner in 1988 and 1989. She was named the Professional Women’s Network Woman of the Year in 1992. Karen was also a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa, Honorary International Sorority for Women Educators. Karen enjoyed reading, being a part of her weekly Scrabble club, challenging word games and puzzles (as she won many contests), organizing family reunions, and traveling to see her fellow classmates and family members. Karen’s faith was reflected in her active membership at the Marion Methodist Church.

Family was very important to Karen, and the family members left to cherish her memory include her sister, Linda (Lee) Hendrickson, Ossian, IA; two nieces, Tina (Randy) Huinker and Amy (Ronald) Knutson, all of Ossian, IA; nephew, Michael Hendrickson of Big Lake, MN; two great nieces and six great nephews: Dawson Huinker, Quinn Huinker, and Linlee Huinker, Carlee (Dominic) Hayek, Luke Knutson, Samuel (Dahlyn Headington) Knutson, Adrian Hendrickson, and Grayson Hendrickson; one great-great niece and one great-great nephew, Huston Hayek and Aymes Hayek.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents.