Karen Kay Pottorff, age 75, of Albia, IA, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia. She is now in the presence of her Savior, joyfully reunited with her beloved Pete, and welcomed by her family in heaven.
Karen was born on February 6, 1951, at the Albia Hospital to Wayne and Virginia (Ammons) Allen. She grew up attending school in Albia and graduated with the Class of 1969. On February 15, 1985, she was united in marriage to Orval Lee “Pete” Pottorff in Lovilia, IA. Pete preceded her in death on June 14, 2000.
Karen was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Albia and the Albia Eagles. She found joy in being outdoors, especially vegetable gardening and taking care of her yard. She loved her dogs, Shelby, Annie, and Sir Sniffles and they were her treasured companions. In her younger years, Karen enjoyed riding horses and throughout her life, she had a passion for cars and motorcycles, especially her ’73 Monte Carlo and her Mustang. She also enjoyed playing the lottery, especially scratch offs. Karen had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed visiting with others.
Karen is survived by stepdaughters, Rebecca Williams and Leanna Bregar; a stepson, Kenneth Pottorff; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Bill (Sheree) Barnes; sisters-in-law, Betty VanderVeer, Linda (Emil) Kraber, JoAnn Clark, and Donna Beal; nieces, Dana Lennie, Amy (Jason) Simmons, Ginny (Jeff) Beath, Julie Spears, and Missy (Kyle) Van Zante; and nephew, Josh Allen. Karen is also survived by several other nieces and nephews, cousins, and good friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Pete Pottorff; stepdaughters Denise Mason and Laurie James; step sons-in-law, Pat Williams, Denny Bregar and Danny Mason; her parents, Wayne and Virginia Allen; 2 brothers, Gary and Terry Allen; a sister, Connie Barnes; and brothers-in-law, Wayne VanderVeer, Bill Beal, and Leroy Clark.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Karen’s family present to greet family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor John Sowers officiating. Burial will follow services at the Iconium Cemetery in Iconium, IA.
An open memorial has been established to the family.
