- Born on: January 21, 1940
- Departed on: November 26, 2023
- Resided in: Tripoli, IA
Karen Neil
Karen Neil, 83, of Tripoli, Iowa, and formerly from Waverly, passed away at home on Sunday, November 26, 2023.
Karen Buhr Neil was born in Waverly, IA, the daughter of Lorenz and Merla Buhr. Karen grew up on a farm near Readlyn, IA, where she was taught the value of hard work. Karen was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. Johns Maxfield Lutheran Church near Denver, IA. Karen attended Maxfield No. 2 at Readlyn and later graduated from Denver Community High School. Karen attended Hawkeye Community College where she obtained an Executive Secretary degree and was employed at John Deere Tractor Works for eight years and during that time attended the University of Northern Iowa.
Karen married Melvin Schulz. Together they owned Karmel Inc., a government contracting business. They later divorced and Karen married Donald Neil. Karen became an independent health and life insurance agent working in Northeast Iowa.
Karen was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Tripoli, where she served as the council secretary for three years. Karen enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling, and spending time with her husband. Karen’s hobby was her passion for fabric and quilting. She enjoyed creating quilts and is known for her healing art quilt exhibit, “Quilting to Survive: A Healing Process.” The exhibit was displayed in verses throughout Iowa and Richmond, Virginia, and was displayed in the Russell Rotunda in Washington, D.C., at the request of Senator Tom Harkin.
Karen’s memory is honored by her husband, Donald Neil of Tripoli; her son, Tod Schulz (Anna) of Waverly, IA; her daughter, Kimberly Schulz of Coralville, IA; six grandchildren, Rachel McClung, Matthew Schulz, Jesse Schulz, Damon Schulz, Kamille Marcussen, Jonah Marcussen; two great grandchildren, Fox Cheota Schulz and Seth Schulz; one brother, Tony W. Buhr, of Menomonee Falls, WI; a sister, Kelly Bollman of Cedar Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
Karen is preceded in death by her sons, Tracy Schulz in 2008 and Terry Schulz 2010, her first husband, Melvin Schulz in 2008, her parents and grandparents.
A memorial service will be held at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waverly, on Saturday, December 9. 2023, at 11 AM with Pastor Deve Efflandt officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later destination. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting Karen’s family. 319-352-1187
Karen Buhr Neil was born in Waverly, IA, the daughter of Lorenz and Merla Buhr. Karen grew up on a farm near Readlyn, IA, where she was taught the value of hard work. Karen was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. Johns Maxfield Lutheran Church near Denver, IA. Karen attended Maxfield No. 2 at Readlyn and later graduated from Denver Community High School. Karen attended Hawkeye Community College where she obtained an Executive Secretary degree and was employed at John Deere Tractor Works for eight years and during that time attended the University of Northern Iowa.
Karen married Melvin Schulz. Together they owned Karmel Inc., a government contracting business. They later divorced and Karen married Donald Neil. Karen became an independent health and life insurance agent working in Northeast Iowa.
Karen was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Tripoli, where she served as the council secretary for three years. Karen enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling, and spending time with her husband. Karen’s hobby was her passion for fabric and quilting. She enjoyed creating quilts and is known for her healing art quilt exhibit, “Quilting to Survive: A Healing Process.” The exhibit was displayed in verses throughout Iowa and Richmond, Virginia, and was displayed in the Russell Rotunda in Washington, D.C., at the request of Senator Tom Harkin.
Karen’s memory is honored by her husband, Donald Neil of Tripoli; her son, Tod Schulz (Anna) of Waverly, IA; her daughter, Kimberly Schulz of Coralville, IA; six grandchildren, Rachel McClung, Matthew Schulz, Jesse Schulz, Damon Schulz, Kamille Marcussen, Jonah Marcussen; two great grandchildren, Fox Cheota Schulz and Seth Schulz; one brother, Tony W. Buhr, of Menomonee Falls, WI; a sister, Kelly Bollman of Cedar Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
Karen is preceded in death by her sons, Tracy Schulz in 2008 and Terry Schulz 2010, her first husband, Melvin Schulz in 2008, her parents and grandparents.
A memorial service will be held at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waverly, on Saturday, December 9. 2023, at 11 AM with Pastor Deve Efflandt officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later destination. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting Karen’s family. 319-352-1187
