Bartholomew, Karla M. (Strommer)

Karla M. (Strommer) Bartholomew, 58, died unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, at her home. Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City, with the Rev. Denny Coon officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. Thursday until services and again following the services.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Karla's grandson, Cain's education fund.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web at www.gayandciha.com

Karla M. Strommer was born Sept. 1, 1952, in Superior, Wis., the daughter of Donald E. and Jerine L. (Thomas) Strommer. She graduated from Cloquet, Minnesota High School in 1970, and then attended the University of Iowa. She was united in marriage to Richard “Chance” Bartholomew in May 1983. For nearly 40 years she was a dedicated employee of NCS later becoming Pearson here in Iowa City.

Karla will best be remembered for her kind, gentle, giving spirit and fun-loving nature. She was quick to find the bright side or humor in any situation and was the first one there when anyone needed help. Karla had a beautiful singing voice and was the beloved aunt and grandma who always had a special song, game or fun activity when baby-sitting. Karla had many interests, she loved reading, crocheting, trips to Minnesota, music, antiques, Star Trek, agates, old movies and above all, her family!

Her family includes her mother, Jerine Stromer; husband, Chance; sons, Cory Bartholomew (Caitlin Grimsley) and Casey Bartholomew (Rachel Schooley), all of Iowa City; stepchildren, Chris (Kari) Cornwell of Iowa City, Meagan (Chad) Richardson of Lone Tree, and Josh (Trisha) Cornwell of Iowa City; grandchildren, Drew and Beau Cornwell, Deanna, Aurora and Lee Richardson and Cain Bartholomew; brothers, Tom Strommer (Deborah Best) of Bemidji, Minn., Scott Strommer (Eilene Johnson) of Toledo, and Mark (Lisa) Strommer of Iowa City; sisters, Vicki (Joe) Lalla of Iowa City, Julie (Rod) Sparks of Iowa City, Lori (Tom) Pace of West Liberty, and Becki (John) Sammons of Iowa City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Karla was preceded in death by her father, Don; and a stepdaughter, Shantele Cornwell.