Karen Tapper

KAREN TAPPER

Cedar Rapids

Karen Lee (Klein) Tapper, 75, peacefully passed away Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

She is survived by her four children, Todd Tapper of Cedar Rapids, Dee (Bob) Hospodarsky of Toddville, Kelly Tapper of Minneapolis and Chris (Janalyn Schreiber) Tapper of Alexandria, Va.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings, Sue (Fred) Fetterolf of Florida, Donna (Wil) Wilford of Swisher and Robert (Gretchen) Klein of Cedar Rapids.

Karen was born Sept. 2, 1941, to John and Goldie (Houke) Klein in Waterloo, Iowa. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. In 1960, she married Ken Tapper with whom she had four children. They moved from Cedar Rapids to Minnesota in 1967. She was divorced in 1972 and returned to Cedar Rapids in 1975.

Karen retired from Quaker Oats in 2008 after 24 years. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church. She was a beloved aunt to 14 nieces and nephews.

Karen will be remembered for her generosity of spirit and her unique sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Please share your support and memories with Karen's family on her tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.