Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Funeral Service
September 12, 2026
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Visitation
September 12, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Kara Kay (Potratz) Law, 45, died Monday, August 31, 2026, following a brief illness. She was born in West Union, IA on May 25, 1981, to Steve and Helen (Trusty) Potratz. She graduated from West Central High School in Maynard, IA in 2000, and following high school she graduated from Kaplan University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After college, she worked for Veridian Credit Union, last serving as a Core Systems Analyst. Kara married Timothy J. Law on January 11, 2006, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Kara had a genuine love for people, connected with everyone, and had a habit of bringing people together. She was loyal and kind to the end, carrying over these values with her into death as a tissue donor. She never complained and had a unique ability to make people feel seen and heard. She was a big animal lover, especially her cats. Kara played several sports in high school and beyond. She volunteered for multiple charity organizations, including Meals on Wheels and at various schools in the area.
Kara is survived by her husband, Tim, of Washburn, IA; parents Steve and Helen Potratz of Maynard, IA; sisters Dana Potratz of Maynard, IA, Kala (Chad) Hoversten, and their children Cade and Kassidy, of Oregon, IL; brother Bret (Whitney) Potratz, and their children Blake and August, of Walcott, IA; adopted grandmother Helen Meyer of Oelwein, IA; her cats Bruce, Agnes, Beatrice, and Rona; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded by her paternal grandparents, Herman and Lauretta Potratz, and her maternal grandfather Jack Trusty.
The Law family invites you to join them for a time of visitation, remembrance, and comfort, as they honor the life of Kara on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo. A beautiful funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be directed to Cedar Bend Humane Society, the Cedar Valley Pitbull Rescue, or the CVPBR Cats and Kittens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.
Deepest condolences Helen and Steve and family. Hugs and prayers to you all Gene and Jeanne Heineman
My deepest condolences 🙏 prayers for your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Helen and Steve, I am so sorry to see this! Please know you and your family are in my prayers.
Kala & family, we’re so sorry for your loss! ❤️🩹 Meggan & Seth
Kala, Chad & family,
You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your sister & aunt. Please share our sympathy and prayers with your parents and extended families as well.
Denise and Dale Akkerman
My deepest sympathies to all of the family
Kala, Chad, Cade and Kassidy.. I’m heartbroken for your whole family.. spending 1 evening with Kara at dress up band trivia and at your house made me see what an amazing lady she was, and she made me feel so welcomed! I was looking forward to seeing her again, laughing and having a great time. I made a donation in her name to each of the animal places.. I wish there was more I could do to help make sense of this for you all, or take any pain away. I’m praying for you all.. love you, Trinda
Very sorry to hear of your loss, she was a vibrant and wonderful person. She will be missed. Your entire family has my condolences.
Dear Tim and family, our hearts are breaking at the loss of Kara. She was such a kind soul and her light lives on in everyone who knew her. Remember, love always finds a way…
Love, Sandra and Dan
Steve and Helen & families, I am so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to each of you.
Patty Potratz
We are absolutely speechless. We love you all so so much. Tim, grief is unique and without rules. She will always be there for you.
Helen,Steve, Dana, Kayla, Bret and families, our hearts and prayers are with you all. I will see you soon.
Deepest sympathies from the Tony D. Ede family in Fort Worth, TX. Kara was a good friend since preschool at St. Peter in Westgate. We always ended up with each other in band or sports at WC. I remember walking through Walmart in Cedar Falls after we had graduated and she darn near tackled me! She was genuine and cared for so many around her. Rest eternal grant her oh Lord…and let light perpetual shine upon her. *Hugs* +Tony (WC school friends)
Kala – you are in my thoughts, heart and prayers. Wrapping you in hugs – Debbie D
Bret and family, so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
R.I.P Kara. Kara was such a loving and kind soul. We became very close when I worked at Veridian. You will be missed, my condolences to the family.
Dear Tim, We are thinking of you and your kits. Keep breathing for one another. One day, moment, breath at a time. We are loving you from here…Dan and Sandra