Karen Pergande

It is with heavy hearts, that we announce Karen Leigh (McSweeney) Pergande passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Ewing Funeral Home, 178 Center Street West in Britt. Per Karen’s request the family suggests casual clothing.

Visitation for Karen will be held Saturday from 1:00-3:00.

Karen was born to Roland and Velda “Bernice” McSweeney on March 25, 1947, in Osage, Iowa. She was a 1965 graduate of Osage High School and went on to work as a nurse’s aide. During that time, she married her first husband, Joseph Weiss, and gave birth to her daughter Tamara on August 31, 1969.

On November 1, 1975, Karen married Paul Pergande at Calvary Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, Iowa. They made their home in Crystal Lake for the past 50 years and were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary just four short days before her passing. Karen and Paul welcomed their daughter Erin on June 18, 1978, and just a year later their son Curtis was born on August 3, 1979.

Karen ran a daycare in her home for a few years before going back to work as a nurse’s aide. She then spent 32 years as a maintenance dispatcher at Winnebago before retiring in 2014.

Through the years, Karen also taught Sunday School, participated in ladies and couples bowling leagues, dart league and enjoyed golfing at Hillside Golf Course (especially with her grandkids!) She was a member of GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association). She and Paul enjoyed many motorcycle trips together and accompanied by friends. Their travels took them to 25 states and two Canadian Provinces, a trip around Lake Superior, a visit to Niagara Falls and numerous motorcycle rallies. She enjoyed spending time with friends during trips to Mexico and Las Vegas as well.

Karen served on the Crystal Lake City Council for four years and had been re-elected just before her death. In her spare time, she loved to do word searches, color in her adult coloring books, play solitaire, listen to music, watch TV game shows, HGTV, Dancing with the Stars and The Voice.

The most important thing in life to Karen, was family. She treasured time spent with her siblings, in-laws and their families. She showed her children and grandchildren what unconditional love really and truly means. She taught the importance of respect, kindness, gratitude and patience that they will carry with them the rest of their lives!

Karen shared her life with her husband Paul of Crystal Lake, her children Tamara of Mason City, Erin of Hanlontown, Curtis (Susan) of Garner; grandchildren Dantae, Jordan, Lucy and Anna.

She is also survived by her nine siblings and their spouses; three siblings-in-law and their spouses; multiple nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her mother and father-in-law Melvin and Alma Pergande.

She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.