Karen Loraine Plowman 78 of Keosauqua peacefully concluded her earthly journey on February 13, 2024, in the comfort of her home. Born on November 22, 1945, in Centerville, Karen’s life was a testament to her strength, warmth, and dedication to her beloved family.
The daughter of the late Paul Winifred Van Blaricom and Beulah Fern Smith, Karen grew up with the values of family and community. She graduated from Cardinal High School in 1963, carrying with her the memories of a childhood spent in Batavia. On April 19, 1964, at the age of 19, she married Wayne Dean Plowman in a ceremony in Batavia, and the couple was blessed with a loving partnership until Wayne’s passing on April 14, 2021.
Karen’s life was marked by her adaptability and resilience, as she and Wayne embraced the nomadic lifestyle necessitated by his harness horse racing. They lived in Douds and Kilbourne, where they welcomed their four children into the world, and continued to move around the country, enriching each place they called home with their presence. Despite the challenges of a transient life, Karen’s unwavering support for her husband’s career never faltered, and she thrived in her role as a horse caretaker.
Her professional life was as varied as it was fulfilling. Karen worked at several bars and restaurants, a ceramics shop in Greenville, IL, and concluded her career with a 15-year tenure at Walmart in Goshen, IN, where she retired in 2010. Her work ethic and personable nature made her a beloved figure among her colleagues and customers alike.
Karen’s legacy is lovingly carried forward by her family, the center of her world. She is survived by her daughters Teresa E. White and Angela Leigh Plowman, her son, Eric Dean Plowman (Jennifer Grace). She was a proud grandmother to David Wayne Higgins, Nicole D Goebel, Chris M Fisher, David James Ambrose, II, Dominick William Ambrose, Ella Grace Plowman, Amelia Ann Plowman. Her joy was multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren Cameron A Goebel,
Khloe D Goebel, Emily E Goebel, Maleah A Fisher, Ethan C Goebel, Alexander William Ambrose, David James Ambrose, III, and John Paul Ambrose. Karen also leaves behind her brothers, Larry Van Blaricom and Paul “Les” Van Blaricom, her sister, Christy Lynn Puffinbarger.
Karen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Wayne Dean Plowman, her parents, Sister Marilyn Adler, daughter Michelle D. Plowman, Grandson Gehrig James Plowman, and great grandson Jude Ambrose.
Beyond her family, Karen was an active member of the Speedy Fillies, an organization that reflected her passion for the world of harness horse racing. Her involvement in the community and her numerous friendships stood as a testament to her outgoing and generous spirit.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on February 24, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Douds Community Center, where family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Karen can share memories and honor her legacy. Gifts to a memorial to be designated later by the family may be brought to the celebration of life or mailed to the family at 606 Main Street, Keosauqua, IA 52565. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
