Karon "KP" Perlowski

Karon "KP" Perlowski, 80, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 at Edencrest Beaverdale in Des Moines, Iowa.

KP was born on June 30 th, 1945, to Terry and Darlene (Miller) Stallings in Lakewood, Colorado. She left home to attend Central College in Pella, Iowa where she met her ex-husband, Steve Perlowski. Together they had two children, Jim and Mary.

She pursued and received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa and then had a long career in social work. She worked at Mercy and Broadlawns hospitals. She performed custody investigations, lobbied the legislature for social justice causes through the Child and Family Policy Center, and served one term as President of the Iowa chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

She had an adventurous spirit and loved hosting friends and family at her house. She enjoyed camping, canoeing, gourmet club get togethers, sporting events for her grandchildren, being with family any chance she could, traveling out of the country or back home to the mountains of Colorado.

Karon is survived by her son Jim and daughter-in-law- Marcy Perlowski. Grandkids, Satchel (26), Stella (23), and Mays (20). Brother George Stallings and sister-in-law Susie Stallings. Nieces Danielle Powers and Tina Easterly. Nephews Mark Stein and Shawn Stallings. Along with many relative spouses and loving friends.

Karon was preceded in death by her parents Terry and Darlene Stallings. Daughter Mary Perlowski. Sister Cynthia Stein. We know that she is so happy to have the chance to be with them again.

A celebration of life is being planned for June 20 th, 2026, at Walnut Woods Lodge starting around 1pm – 7pm where family and friends can stop by to celebrate the life we shared with KP and talk about the good times.