Karen K. Hotchkiss

Karen K. Hotchkiss, 86, of Rowan, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 15, 2026 at Graceland Cemetery in Rowan with Herb Schreur officiating. Family and friends are invited to the United Church of Rowan for lunch and fellowship following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rowan Public Library. 

Karen Kay, daughter of Merlin and Verla (Boone) Bobst, was born on August 30, 1939 near Dows. Karen grew up outside of Alexander and graduated from Franklin Consolidated High School.

Karen was united in marriage to Dean Krabbe. The couple had four children – Larry, Pam, Kim, and Scott. On February 20, 1981, Karen was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard Hotchkiss.

Karen worked at Maytag for 10 years before moving to North Carolina with Richard where they spent 22 years. They moved back to Rowan in 2005 to retire.

Karen enjoyed being outside and tending to her flowers. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and looked forward to her weekend shopping trips with Kim and going out to eat with Virginia Parks and Bonnie Leist. In her later years, Karen’s faith got her through life’s tough times. Her dogs, Kia and Buffy, and cats, Pumpkin and Missie K were her joy.

Karen is survived by her children Larry Krabbe of Clarion, Kim Crafton of Rowan, and Pam (John) Davis of South Carolina; grandchildren Matt Crafton, Josh (Lacy) Krabbe, Tyler (Hanna) Krabbe, and Felicia Davis; great-grandchildren Caden, Harlow, Peyton, Amelia, Wren, and Jax; and special friend, Pam Fett.

She is preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2022; son Scott Krabbe; grandson Derrick Krabbe; and siblings Jerry Peyton and Mike Bobst.