Karen Sue Horsfall

After a year of bravely treating ovarian cancer, Karen Horsfall, of Waterloo, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 26, 2024. She was 63 and is deeply missed by those who loved her.

Karen was born May 23, 1961, in Oelwein, the daughter of Howard and Lucille (Alshouse) James. She was a graduate of Oelwein High School and received her BA from UNI in Early Childhood Education. She worked as a Head Start teacher and later worked at Kwik Star, Maple Lanes and Allen Hospital. Karen had an optimistic spirit, even in the toughest of times. She was a helper. She trusted her faith until the very end.

She married Tim Horsfall on May 31, 1986, at Central Christian Church in Waterloo. Early in their marriage, Tim & Karen played softball, then they transitioned to bowling and also played in bags (cornhole) leagues together. Their daughters played softball and volleyball so they spent many nights and weekends cheering them on in their games. The two of them did just about everything together: camping, UNI football games & tailgating, playing cards, kayaking, baseball games (go Reds!), and spending time with family.

Karen was relatively soft spoken but if a competition was involved, she could get pretty animated: she cheered loudly and enjoyed friendly banter with opponents, even ribbing Tim if her Steelers were playing his Cowboys. Her favorite time of year was the Christmas season and she had seen every Hallmark movie ever made. She loved to bake and was well known for her sugar cookies and graduation/wedding mints. She loved music: playing the piano, seeing live bands and singing lullabies to little ones. Karen was a warm presence, a kind soul and her light made everyone around her feel safe. She was embraced as a mother figure by so many: she was nurturing, had a big heart, and gave even bigger hugs. She would brighten a room with her infectious laugh and smile.

Karen is survived by her husband, her rock, the love of her life, Tim Horsfall of Waterloo; her three loving daughters, Carrie James of Phoenix, AZ, Danielle (Trent) Flanders of Waterloo, and Sarah (Leon) Harris of Waterloo; four sweet granddaughters, Adelyn, Kinsley, and Auden Flanders, and Adrieanna Harris; two brothers, Ron (Linda Klemesrud) James of Charles City, and David (Connie) James of Hazelton; a brother-in-law, Patrick (Amanda) Horsfall of Minnesota; a sister-in-law, Barb Kingsley of Des Moines; eight nieces, Leslie, Terrecia, Dinese, Tiffany, Jessica, Kimberly, Kandace, and Jennifer; and countless friends who became family over the years and never wavered in their support of her.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Terry James; Tim's parents, Roger and Mary Horsfall; a sister-in-law, Sue James; a nephew, David Kingsley; and a niece, Jacqueline James.

"Remember. Grief came to you, my friend, because love came first. Love came first." – Donna Ashworth

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Maple Lanes Bowling Center, 2608 University Avenue, Waterloo. Memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Avenue, is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.