Karen Colleen Farber

Heaven gained a kind soul on July 10, 2024, as Karen C. Farber entered the gates of her eternal home.

Born Karen C. Osberg, July 10, 1940, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the only child of Arnold and Velma (Johnson) Osberg. She graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1958. In August of 1963, Karen enlisted in the United States Army where she received training in data processing and equipment operations. She also successfully completed a training course in military justice code of conduct. In July of 1965, Karen was honorably discharged at Ft. Jackson. She married Michael O. Farber on June 2, 1965 in San Francisco, California. She and Michael celebrated 53 wonderful years of marriage. They raised their five children in Spencer, Iowa.

Through her life, Karen worked as a nurse, secretary and motel manager. Karen enjoyed rollerskating, sports, artistry, baking and entertaining her children with her fun personality. Anyone that knew Karen, would describe her as wise, strong, spiritual and full of love and positivity. She was everyone’s greatest cheerleader & could always find the good in a situation. She was the whole world’s encourager. Whether it was the cashier at the grocery store or the waitress delivering her salmon, she was sure to put the extra effort in to brighten their day! She always ended conversations with the phrase, “I hope you have a positive day!”

She was proceeded in death by her beloved grandma, Lola Johnson, her parents, and her husband.

She is survived by her five children, Tanya (Casey) Thielen, David Farber, Deborah Farber, Kristee Farber and Wendy (Dan) Bovenmyer, her grandchildren, Bethany, Terah, Nethan, Gage, Nolan, Auri, Asa, Adoniah, Amira, Cayson, Jakob, Evangeline, Annelise and Isabella, her great-grandchild, Avina, and her two half-siblings, Bill Griggs and Wendy (Bryce) Wilson. We would like to thank the Iowa City VA hospital and Iowa City Hospice for their loving care as Karen battled kidney disease, as well as the friendship and support from her wonderful friends in the Diamond Senior Apartments. Our Mamaquita and Nana was loved beyond words and will be dearly missed by so many!

A graveside service is planned for 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.