Karen Ann Miller, 81, of Pulaski, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 20, 2025 at The Bloomfield Care Center. Karen was born August 15, 1943 to Vernette Earl and Opal May Cassatt Roberts at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Ottumwa Iowa. On March 11, 1961 she was united in marriage to Jerry Miller. To this union came three children, Sheryl, Brenda and Donnie. Karen and Jerry spent their early years on their family farm from the spring of 1969 until moving to Pulaski 1991. They were married for 46 years until Jerry passed away on November 27, 2007.
Karen spent her early years as a nurse’s aide at the Davis County Hospital working nights and then later for Roger Osenbaugh, DVM at his vet office for 22 years. Karen was known for being the “boss” and keeping Roger organized until he retired in 1998. She then went on to work at the Keosauqua Veterinary Clinic until her retirement in 2008. Karen enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes, gardening, and hearing about the busy lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also known for making the best homemade rolls and strawberry jelly for family holiday dinners.
Those left behind to cherish her memories are her two daughters, Sheryl (Leon) Wright of Pulaski, Iowa, Brenda (Ron) McLeran of Urbandale, Iowa; son, Donnie (Rhonda) Miller of Pulaski; grandchildren, Josh (Ashley) Wright, Erin (Ryan) Mumm, Patrick Wright, Nathan Maire, Justin (Kelsey) Miller, Jason Miller and Ryan (Sidney) Miller, Andrew McLeran, Megan McLeran Mendez; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Aubrey Mumm, Noah, Eli and Isaac Wright, Ellie Miller, Charlotte McLeran, Rossi Mendez, newborn twins Rhett and Reed Miller – born the day before her passing; a brother, Jack (Virginia) Roberts of Summersville, Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews. Karen also leaves behind her two furry companions, Festus and Kitty who now reside in Norwalk with her grandson, Patrick.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry; brothers, Vain, George Wayne, Rex, Venus and Arlo Roberts; and a nephew, Dwight Roberts.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday with the family present to greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the service. Burial will be at the Pulaski Cemetery in Pulaski, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pulaski Avenue of Flags or the Troy Academy.
