Karen J. Harrison
June 2, 1930 - January 21, 2015
From: Nevada, IA
Karen Harrison, age 84, of Nevada, Iowa, died at her home on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, surrounded by love and family.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church in Nevada, with Pastor Chris Waddle officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. Memorial visitation will be held at the church on Sunday from 2-4 p.m.
Born June 2, 1930, in Maxwell, Iowa, Karen June Harrison was the daughter of Bayard and Lulabelle (Scott) Sesker. She grew up and received her education in Maxwell, graduating with the Class of 1948.
On August 12, 1948, Karen was united in marriage to Dean Harold Harrison at the Maxwell Methodist Church by Reverend Fitz. After being a homemaker for 35 years, Karen went back to school at the Ames School of Practical Nursing. She practiced nursing for a few years before continuing her education in the Health Administration area. She continued working in administration at Colonial Manor in Zearing, Stratford Care Center in Stratford, and at Green Hills Health Center in Ames.
Karen left behind many friends, relatives, and residents. She enjoyed traveling and wintering at their home in Scottsdale, AZ. Her fondness for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was very evident as she seemed to be entertaining them daily.
She is survived by her husband, Dean; four children, Deann (Steve) Zmolek of Solon, Dennis (Mary) Harrison of Nevada, Julie Stevens (Aaron Jones) of Ankeny, and Lynne (Jerry) Mitchell of Nevada; nine grandchildren, Terry, Mindi, Tori, Brad, Tonda, Joni, Lyndi, Ryan, and Brett; and 20 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include a sister, Shirley (Max) Minear of Florida; four brothers, Wayne (Sheri) Sesker of Forest City, Dean Sesker of Florida, Paul (MJ) Sesker of Tipton, and Bruce (Judy) Sesker of Maxwell; a brother-in-law, Garry Harrison of Nevada; two sisters-in-law, Sandy Harrison and Norma Harrison, both of Nevada; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Norma Jane Sesker in infancy; and a brother, Donald Sesker.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Karen and her family.
Condolences
Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 5:37 PM
“Lynne and Family,
My most sincere sympathy to you all. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to know Karen and to be entrusted with caring for her. She was a very special person with a quick wit, a great sarcastic sense of humor and full of spunk even when she didn't feel so spunky. It was a joy to get to know her. My prayers and with you and your family, and especially Dean on your loss. ”
- Linda Hanson
Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 5:37 PM
“I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Karen. Being a nurse was such a wonderful gift. It showed her giving spirit. Luke 6:38 says "practice giving and people will give to you" and that's what she did. Psalms 37:29 says "the righteous will possess the earth and they will live on it forever" so God's plan is for us to be reunited again. What a wonderful prospect for the future. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen's family. ”
- Cindy
Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 8:38 PM
“Dean and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I heard a while back that she wasn't very well. She will be greatly missed. I am sorry that I will miss paying my last respect. I was really surprised when I read her name in the paper today. I wish I was still in Iowa for things like this. I love you guys. Again I am so sorry.
Kathy ”
- Kathy Walker
Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 8:38 PM
“I'm sending my love and prayers to you, Dean and your entire family. I will always remember Karen as a kind and caring woman. Her legacy lives on in the wonderful family that she leaves behind. ”
- Gloria Zmolek
Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 1:11 PM
“To Dean and family,
Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family, from yours in Texas. Remember all the good times.
Merlin, Linda & family. ”
- Merlin and Linda Dunahoo
Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 1:11 PM
“We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time! Prayers for peace and happy memories with your mother, grandmother, wife, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, etc. Beautiful lady that apparently lived a beautiful life! ”
- Rod & Heidi Schumache & Family
Friday, January 23, 2015 at 8:48 AM
“to the family we have such great memories of our folks and the harrisons. our family in nevada .. always glad to see you and catch up please know that we have you all in our thoughts and prayers and will see you on sunday please know our dunahoo family is important to us.. and the great memories we have.with the folks and times shared.. thanks!!
”
- jim white
Friday, January 23, 2015 at 8:48 AM
“What a wonderful, classy lady! I have many memories of Karen as a child growing up on the farm, the many camping trips, making mints or crafts with my mother, sleep overs with my friends at her home, and just sitting around playing cards, talking and laughing:). I have to share a few of my fondest memories even though there are so many to pick from:) There was the time not so long ago when Karen started telling naughty jokes in the car on the way to Minnesota to watch Haley play volleyball. We laughed and laughed:) Karen loved eating custard and Mom said she always ate her dessert first at a meal because she might not be as hungry for it if she ate it last:). She somehow got my daughter , Danielle , to open her mouth as a child so she could pull her tooth! Danielle didn't see that coming and was not very happy:). At least the tooth was gone:) She and my mother hid some false teeth in a lettuce salad one evening for supper while camping as a child, gave the bowl to the Dunahoos:) Needless to say, a scream was heard and we all knew who found the little surprise first:). I think I loved all the crazy fun things Karen and my mother would do most of all and the wonderful friendship Dean and Karen had with my parents:). She will be greatly missed and I feel I am the person I am today because of her wonderful influence and genuine love). I had so many strong women in my life and she definitely was one of the best!!!
Lots of love going to Dean and the whole Harrison clan,
Denise”
- Denise (Eley ) Brillhart
Friday, January 23, 2015 at 8:48 AM
“Dean & Family, So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. Thoughts and Prayers to all.
Thinking of of you, big Hugs. With Love, Rita ( White) Vogel”
- Rita White Vogel
Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 1:50 PM
“Harrison family,
Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. Karen was so special to our family and I have many memories of her...one of my favorites being when she dressed up as a clown with my Grandma Eley for my 4th birthday party. She will be truly missed.
Danielle Steinkamp (Brillhart)”
- Danielle Steinkamp
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