Persons, Karen Ann

Karen Ann Persons, 68, of Hiawatha, died suddenly Friday, March 4, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a sharing of memories at 6 p.m.

Survivors include her husband, Robert; and their beloved cat, Bud; her children, Michele (Mark) Geers, Mark Persons, Laura (James) Shelley and Stephanie (Casey) James; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother, Herb (Julie) Stufflebeam; and her sister, Rose Mary (Ray) Ciminjotti.

Karen was born Dec. 14, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Jerry and Laura Stufflebeam. She enjoyed sports, but her greatest love was for her family.

Karen was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Bonnie Martin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Please sign the online guest book and share a memory about Karen at