Karen Sue Knaak, 79, of Ottumwa died at 12:35 p.m. June 1, 2026 at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown Campus.
She was born April 12, 1947 in Ottumwa to Orville and Beth Armstrong Knaak.
A 1965 graduate of Cardinal High School, Karen worked at McCune and Reed Insurance for 44 years.
She was a member of Agency Community Church. Karen was also a member of American Saddlebred, was inducted into the Iowa Horseman’s Hall of Fame in 2019 and a member of SIERA Horse Club. She had a passion for her horses, her friends and spending time with her family.
Surviving are her siblings, Kristy (Steve) Ostrander of Eldon and Randy (Deb) Knaak of Agency; nieces and nephews who were like grandchildren to her, Jason (Deanna) Knaak of Ottumwa, Jill Knaak of Eureka, MO, Krystle Kildow of Wichita, KS and Kody Ostrander of Hamilton, IL; 4 great nieces, Kynsington Knaak, Bethany Knaak, Addison Knaak and Kallie Dugan; 6 great nephews, Cayden Knaak, Gavin and Konnor Kildow, Drayton, Damyen and Daryen Mills.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved horse, GSL I’m A Pepper.
Her body has been cremated. Visitation with her family present to greet friends will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday June 7th at Reece Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Monday June 8th at Agency Community Church with Pastor Kelly Peavey officiating. Inurnment will be in Agency Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to American Saddlebred Rescue or the Agency Fire Department.
