Karen graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1960, and earned her degree from Iowa Lakes Communitty College in 1997. She worked over the years at Berkley’s, McQuays, Crystal Tips and Style Craft, before retiring in 2005. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was on the Board of Directors of the Credit Union for McQuays.

Karen enjoyed spending her spare time cooking, reading, traveling and watching soaps on TV. She truly loved her family and those special trips with her friends to the casino.

Karen is survived by her husband, Marvin Mettler of Arnolds Park; a daughter, Sharon Eriksen, and her husband, Trent, of Spirit Lake; a son, Jim Dake, and his wife, Leann, of Excelsior, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Adam, Austin, Krista, Rachel and Anna; her father, Glen Bascom of Vinton; a sister, Sue Harrelson, and her husband, Tom, of Shellsburg; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lucille; and a sister, Judy Bascom Howe.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at 11:00A.M. Thursday, at the First Presbyterian Church. A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, from 5:00P.M. until 7:00P.M. at the Schuchert Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Karen’s name.