Karen K. Leffel

Karen Kay Waterman Leffel, the daughter of Roscoe and Marilyn Stoddard Waterman, was born Dec. 17, 1958, in Estherville, Iowa. She died Saturday, March 29, 2008, at Avera Holy Family Health in Estherville at the age of 49.

She received her education in the Estherville schools and graduated from Estherville High School in 1977. After graduation from high school she attended Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. While attending college, Karen met Ronald Leffel and they were united in marriage August 8, 1981, at the United Methodist Church in Estherville.

The couple have made their home in Estherville and have owned and operated Estherville Printing, where Karen has worked side by side with Ron in the operation of their business. In her leisure time Karen has enjoyed watching and following Phil's school career and also gardening, reading, collecting things, especially angels and dishes. Karen was active in the Girl Scouts when she was younger. She was also a Cub Scout Den Leader.

Karen was a member of the United Methodist Church in Estherville; she was active in local civic organizations as past president of WaTanYe, Rainbow Girl, she was an Estherville Library Board member and also was a member of VFW Post 3388 Ladies Auxiliary.

Grateful for having shared Karen's life are her husband, Ron; son, Phillip Allen Leffel; mother, Marilyn Waterman all of Estherville; sister, Diane Lavender, and her husband, Rick; and brother, Kevin Waterman and his wife, Sandra; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Karen in death were her father and grandparents.

The family prefers that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be directed to the Emmet County Food Pantry, the American Red Cross or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left at www.henryolsonfuneral.com