Obituary for Karen Sue Locke

Karen Sue Locke, 75, of Toddville, Iowa, passed away suddenly in her home on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Cremation has taken place.

Karen was born on April 11, 1950, to Irene and Floyd Slach. She often told stories of the pranks and life on the farm in Martelle and Anamosa with her brothers, Jim and Jeff. Her love for cows and chickens followed her through life as was reflected in her choice of home decor.

She married the love-of-her-life and middle school sweetheart, Kenneth Locke on February 20, 1969. Together they had Karrie Locke, and they later helped raise their grandchildren Anna and Dillon. Karen worked in the kitchens of The Nook in Anamosa and then Happy Chef in Cedar Rapids, where she made life-long friends. Every Christmas, she shared stories of wrapping presents at Killian's many years ago as well. She eventually retired after working at Wonderbread Hostess in Cedar Rapids. 
She loved spending time with family and her church family. She was grateful for the close relationships she formed at the Toddville Free Methodist Church. 

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Locke; daughter, Karrie Locke; grandchildren, Anna (Cyle) Clinton, and Dillon (Amber) Barrette; siblings Jim (Carol) Slach, and Jeff (Kay) Slach.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Irene K. Slach, and her father, Floyd Slach.

Please join us for a memorial service on May 2, 2026, at Toddville Free Methodist Church, located at 309 Johnson Dr, Toddville, IA 52341. Visitation will begin at 10AM, the memorial service will begin at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon.