Karen Wacome

Karen Kay Wacome, 75, of Liscomb, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, October 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and under the tender care of Wesley Life Hospice.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Friday, October 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be designated at a later date. For condolences or additional information, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. The caring staff of Mitchell Family Funeral Home is assisting Karen’s family during this time.

Earlier in life, Karen was married to Dennis Weaver, and from that union they were blessed with a daughter, Kibby Weaver. On January 28, 1971, Karen married the love of her life, Ron Wacome, in a simple and heartfelt ceremony at the Justice of the Peace in Des Moines—a union that would last a beautiful fifty-four years

Before beginning her long and respected career in law enforcement, Karen worked as a talented hairdresser and later as a relator, always bringing warmth and care to everyone she met. She went on to dedicate thirty-four years of her life to serving her community as a Civil Deputy Sheriff for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in February 2014. Her work was marked by integrity, kindness, and a genuine compassion for others—traits that defined her both professionally and personally.

Karen lived life to the fullest. She loved camping and boating at Rathbun, Red Rock, and trips to Lansing. She loved fishing, bowling, dancing with Ron, and playing cards with family and friends. She enjoyed the excitement of an occasional trip to the Meskwaki Casino, but her greatest joy always came from time spent with those she loved. Karen had a heart that welcomed everyone; she never met a stranger and was known for her radiant smile that could light up any room.

She will be deeply missed by her devoted husband, Ron, and their children: Kibby (Mark) Collins of Radcliffe, RaDonna (Kent) Bracy of Liscomb, and RaeLee (Brad) Wall of Liscomb. Karen’s love continues through her grandchildren—Kasie (Clay) Roberts, MaKenzie Collins, Mitchell Collins, Kayla Elam, Raychyl (Jordan) Wilson, Madysen Wall, and Tucker Wall—and her great-grandchildren: Aleighia, Aumriee, Aquinnah, Aytahna Jo, NovaLeigh, Hemi, Aspen, Brooklynn, Braxton, Emma, Daxton, Payton, Westlyn, Rhett, Hazel.

She also leaves behind her dear friend, Wade Ruopp, whose friendship meant so much, and her lifelong friend who was like a sister to her, Fran Bernard Grindle.

Karen’s life was a reflection of love, laughter, and selfless service. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.