Karen Kay Crutchley

Karen Kay Crutchley, 80, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at First Open Bible Church, with visitation beginning two hours before the service.

Karen was born December 11, 1945, in Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Louella (Bedell) Kirchhoff Jr. She graduated from Prairie High School and went on to attend Kirkwood Community College for her teaching credits. On February 14, 1971, Karen was united in marriage to Kenneth Edwin Crutchley in Shueyville, Iowa. She worked as a preschool teacher at Bear Cubs Preschool (North Linn Community School District) until her retirement in 2011.

Karen was devoted to her faith and served on the Prayer Team at First Open Bible Church. For 14 years, she also hosted home worship services and prayer groups. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she enjoyed attending Christian conferences and spending time with her church family. Karen also had the opportunity to travel to many states with the Benny Hinn Choir.

In her free time, Karen enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, and decorating her home. Above all, she treasured spending time with her family and church family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Karen is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 55 years, Ken Crutchley; daughter, Laura (Brandon) Scherbaum; grandchildren, Elijah, Joshua, and Josiah Scherbaum; sister, Kathy Schreur; sister-in-law, Merna Moore (Joe O’Connor); and brother-in-law, Chuck (Karen) Crutchley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Keith Kirchhoff; and brother-in-law, Tom Moore.

Memorials in Karen’s memory may be directed to the family.