Laura "Karen" Ham

Laura "Karen" Ham

Mount Pleasant

Laura "Karen" Ham, 79, of Mount Pleasant, IA and formerly of Stockport, IA passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice in West Burlington, IA. As were Karen’s wishes, cremation has taken place with no services planned at this time. Memorial contributions in Karen’s honor may be directed to the family. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

L. Karen Ham was born on September 5, 1945, in Stockport, IA to George and Velma Runyon Giberson. Growing up in Stockport, and attending school there, she found an early love for Van Buren County and the place she would eventually return to and call home.

On December 24, 1962, Karen’s life blossomed in a new direction when she married Larry Stark. Together, they built a life together and welcomed six children into the world. Burlington and Hillsboro saw the early years of their family life, but it was back at the home place near Stockport where they returned to raise their family. Karen's devotion as a mother was evident as she loved her role as mom and homemaker. As her children went off to school she began working at Riverside Plastics, where she worked in the tool room for many years.

The year 2008 brought sorrow with Larry's passing, however, love re-emerged when Karen joined lives with Doug Ham in 2012. Their marriage led to new beginnings in Keosauqua, where they moved to and created a life together. The two eventually moved to Westwood in Mt. Pleasant where Karen lived until her passing.

Karen's affection for hummingbirds, all animals, and particularly, her beloved dog "Smokey," reflected her gentle heart. She had a deep love for her family. She cherished moments spent with her children and embraced the joys of being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her family and the many friends she made along the way.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Larry Stark (2008) and Doug Ham (2020), and three siblings, Coleen Cochran, Dwane Giberson, and Dwight Giberson.

Left to honor her memory are her children, Michael (Kimberly) Stark of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Sheila Wilkerson of New London, IA, Monty (Tammy) Stark of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Nathan (Misty) Stark of Lockridge, IA, Rhonda (Michael) White of Stockport, IA, and Natasha (Jason) Rohde of Stockport, IA; 26 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; four siblings, Rama (Pat) Dorothy, Marilyn Shelledy, Dwynlin “Bud” (Minette) Giberson, and Kay (Gerald) Bailey; three stepchildren, Mark Ham, Michelle (Bill) Frauenholtz, and Stefanie (Rick) Kasper, as well as many extended family and friends.