Obituary for Karen Ann Rehberg

Karen Ann Rehberg (Purnell), 81, of Janesville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14^th, 2025, at Cedar Ridge Village, in West Des Moines, Iowa, with her family at her side. 

A longtime resident of the Des Moines area, Karen was well known for her in-home childcare business, and then later worked at Preferred Risk/Guide One Insurance, which she retired from in 2000.  She was always active near and far to the Des Moines area.  Playing golf and cruising around the world, volunteering to visit with the elderly, working with youth groups at Plymouth Congregational Church, and then later at Central Presbyterian Church, and singing in the church choir with both.  One of her favorite times was when the Christmas Giving Tree would come out at Central.  She never left an angel alone on the tree. 

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Michael of 55 years.  She is survived by her children: Tamra (Jeff) Caskey; Michelle (Troy) Vaughan; and Mark (Amanda) Rehberg; grandchildren: Savannah (Nicholas) Valley; Paige Caskey; Abigail (Alex) Montelongo; Carter, Evan and Makenna Rehberg; Michael (Alexis) Caskey and Nathan (Ashley) Caskey; and, Great-Grandchildren: Conrad and Bronson Valley; Colton Rehberg; Vincent Montelongo; Madden and Hazel Caskey; Braelynn Caskey; and Aubri, Hayleigh and Braxton Berry.

In accordance with her wishes, Karen was cremated and rests once again with her husband Mike.  A visitation with service following will be held at Central Presbyterian Church at 3829 Grand Avenue, Des Moines on Saturday, September 20^th at 10:30 am, with a light lunch to follow.  The family is very appreciative of the care provided to Karen from the staff at Cedar Ridge Village and Hospice of the Midwest.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be forwarded to them so that Karen can continue to “pay it forward”, as her final wish.