Karen Vantreeck

Karen VanTreeck, 81, of Clive, IA passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2023 following advanced stage dementia.

She was born and raised in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Edward and Annabelle Kalupa. She graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1959, and married the love of her life Paul in 1962. Karen was a stay-at-home Mom during her boys’ childhood and as Paul’s work transferred the family from Sheboygan Falls, WI to Billings, MT and finally to Urbandale, IA. When the boys were older, Karen worked 15 years as a receptionist for a pediatric doctor in Des Moines, followed by other part time jobs. Following retirement from formal employment, Karen enjoyed running her own window covering business.

Karen was an exceptionally devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She really enjoyed spending time with Paul, her 3 sons and their families, and especially the grandchildren. Her grandchildren always looked forward to Colorado and Wisconsin summer camping trips, Colorado winter ski trips, and holidays with their grandparents. Even during the later years of her advanced dementia, young children were a magnet for her. They always put a big smile on Karen’s face. Her sons all agree they could not have had a better mom.

She had a gift for hospitality, and loved hosting and decorating her home. She enjoyed gardening and flowers in the yard, watching the birds and squirrels from her sunroom, snow skiing, playing cards, and taking motorhome trips with Paul and family all over the US. She was an excellent seamstress and devoted her spare time and talents to sewing and making beautiful decorations for church, and valances for her window covering business. She also made beautiful baby and childhood blankets for all her grandchildren.

Karen’s Sons are extremely grateful to Kim for the 10 months of live-in home care she provided their mom after Paul’s passing, as well as her part-time care prior to his passing. She was an outstanding and loving caregiver, and made significant sacrifices to care for Karen.

Karen is survived by her three sons Mike (Pam) of Batavia, IL, Pat of Sacramento, CA, and Dan of Austin, TX; grandchildren Andrew (Yesmina), Kelly, Claire, Ainsley and Siena; sister Beverly LaValle, brothers Ed (Sheryl) and Tony (Linda) Kalupa, and many dear nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Paul and her parents.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Karen’s memory at the following link: Karen VanTreeck Tribute

Please join us in celebrating Karen’s life at one of the visitation and funeral services listed below.

Friday March 3, 2023: West Des Moines, IA visitation and funeral services

Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Rd., West Des Moines, IA 50266

• Rosary 8:30 a.m.

• Visitation 9:00 - 10:45 a.m.

• Funeral Mass at 11:00 am followed by Luncheon for all at church.

• Streaming Option Links - can be viewed live or anytime afterwards:

o Funeral Mass March 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m. https://youtube.com/live/ynjqGLy26us

o Eulogies at Funeral Luncheon, following Mass, approximately 12:15 p.m. https://youtube.com/live/mADHkfyzfMo

Monday March 6, 2023: Sheboygan Falls, WI visitation and funeral services

Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 319 Giddings Ave, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085

• Rosary 9:00 a.m.

• Visitation 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

• Funeral Mass - 11:00 a.m.

• Burial following Mass at St. George Catholic Cemetery, 3583 County Road A, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085

• Luncheon / Eulogies at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church following the Burial.

• Streaming Option Link - can be viewed live or anytime afterwards:

o Funeral Mass March 6, 2023, 11:00am: wenig.live/VanTreeck