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Karen K. Schumaker

Karen K. Schumaker

  • December 9, 1939 - October 11, 2011
  • Waterloo, Iowa
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Memories & Candles

“I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Karen through a online cross stitch board. We started emailing and became online friends. Her love for her...Read More » ”
1 of 9 | Posted by: Cathy Rosemeyer - DUBUQUE, IA

“I will miss you my friend! ”
2 of 9 | Posted by: Teri Lynn Jorgensen - Waterloo, IA

“We were sorry to read about Karen's death. David, you and all the family members will be in our prayers. We enjoyed working at First Baptist with...Read More » ”
3 of 9 | Posted by: Ruth and Maynard Hatch - IN

“Dave, Lisa & Kevin and family We are sorry for your loss. Please think of the happy times you shared with her, hopefully it will bring some comfort...Read More » ”
4 of 9 | Posted by: Debbie - Kenosha, WI - aunt

“Lisa and Les, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Just know you are in my thoughts. Take care. ”
5 of 9 | Posted by: Marcia Boster - Mason City, Iowa, IA

“Karen was one of the first people I met when my family moved to Waterloo in 2000. She soon became a trusted friend and was there for me when my...Read More » ”
6 of 9 | Posted by: Jan Cornelius - Waterloo, IA

“Lisa, I am so sorry at this sudden and unexpected passing of your mom. Please know you are in my prayers. ”
7 of 9 | Posted by: Renee Zirbel - Mason City, IA

“I am so sorry for your loss Lisa and family... You are in my prayers... ”
8 of 9 | Posted by: Penny L. Sturges - Mason City, IA

“I met Karen when she belong to the Xi-omgea chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. We had a lot of fun times at meetings and Socials. I missed her when she went...Read More » ”
9 of 9 | Posted by: Linda Lynch - Waterloo, IA


Karen Kay Lewandoski Schumaker, 71, of Waterloo, was born on December 9, 1939 in Racine, WI. She was the daughter of John and Gertrude Johnson Lewandoski. Karen attended school in Racine and graduated from Washington Park High School in 1957. She met David Schumaker on a blind date in 1957 and they married on May 21, 1960 in Racine. Karen was a secretary for Smith, Paulsen and Evans accounting firm, Chicago Central Rail Road and First Baptist Church in Waterloo, where she retired in 2007.

Karen enjoyed counted cross stitch, knitting, reading, internet shopping and her pets. The love of her life was her granddaughter, Ella. Karen is remembered as being a very caring individual who put the needs of others above her own. She was a member of First Baptist Church and a former member of Beta Sigma Phi, a women's charitable sorority.

Karen died at her home on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 following a short illness. She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, Alvin Lewandoski and Roy Lewane. Karen is survived by her husband, David, of Waterloo; son Kevin (LaDonna) Schumaker and their daughter, Ella, of Douglasville, GA; daughter Lisa (Les) Jellum of Nora Springs, IA and 2 sisters, Audrey Jensen and Charlene Dykstra, both of Racine.

As a show of sympathy, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Cedar Bend Humane Society.