Karen L. (Ryerson) Keepers

Karen L. (Ryerson) Keepers, 82, of Mason City, formerly of Britt, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024 at MercyOne Medical Center – North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services for Karen Keepers will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West in Britt, with Mike Ewing officiating.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at the funeral home on Friday.

Karen Lucille Keepers was born December 15, 1941 to Herbert and Opal (Howlett) Ryerson in Britt, Iowa.  She was raised and educated in Britt, graduating from Britt High School in 1960.

Karen was united in marriage to Tom Keepers on July 23, 1976.  The couple moved from time to time, making their home in and around Britt, as well as Alta, Iowa, Chamberlain, South Dakota, and in Utah, always returning to her roots in north central Iowa.  Tom passed away in 2010.

Karen loved to travel, including memorable trips to Preston, South Dakota and Orlando, Florida, a trip that featured her first time on an airplane and her first time on a roller coaster.  She also enjoyed going out to eat, whether to any number of Mexican or Japanese restaurants or to Red Lobster.

Karen worked as a clerk at Casey’s in Britt, Algona and Clear Lake, as well as at CarGo in Algona and Bancroft before retiring in 2015.  She was beloved by her regular customers, who learned to love her for giving her a hard time.  Many customers would follow her when she moved from one job to another, developing long-lasting friendships with her.

Karen enjoyed spending time with her family more than anything.  She was an accomplished baker and there were countless hours with her children and grandchildren in the kitchen.  A co-worker once told her, “I hope I get to love my kids as much as you do yours.”

Karen is survived by her children: Mark (Kim) Ryerson of Platteville, Nebraska; Mary (Jeff) Gremmer of Mason City; and Kent Keepers of Mason City; grandchildren: Lizzi Ryerson, Zeka (Charlina) Ryerson, Nicholas Burke, and Emily Burke; great-grandchildren Silas Casteel and Leland Casteel; sisters Phyllis (Albert) Steinberg and Martha Dawson; her beloved dog Charlie and cats Itsy and Opie; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tom Keepers, her sister Mary Smidt and her brother Paul Ryerson.