Karen Markley Obituary

Karen (White) Markley of Indian Land, South Carolina, (formerly of Des Moines, Iowa) passed away suddenly on February 12, 2025, at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 17 days. The family takes great solace knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband, Charlie Markley, who passed in 2022.

Karen was born May 26, 1945, in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Lloyd and Freda (Miller) White. A graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High School, Karen made her home in Ft Dodge, welcoming her 3 sons: John, Todd and Matthew. She loved supporting all 3 of the boys, attending concerts, games, musicals and spending time with her family and friends.

Karen moved to the Des Moines area where she met and then married Charlie Markley on January 30, 1999. Together they shared so much, including their love of music, outdoors, animals, gardening and spending time with friends and family. They were amazing grandparents to their grandchildren and loved to spend time at their cherished acreage, affectionately known as ‘The Farm”. There they built a small cabin, 2 ponds, and cared for their horses.

Karen is survived by her 3 sons; John (Laura Hewitt) Zeka of Grimes, Iowa, Todd Zeka of Des Moines, Iowa and Matthew (Jenny) Zeka of Indian Land, South Carolina. Stepsons Cale (Chrissy) Markley, Casey (Christina) Law, Brian Law, Michael (Angela) Mortenson and Kristopher (Liz) Mortenson. Granddaughters Karmen (Nicholas Norwood) Zeka; Salem, Quinn, Harper and Sawyer Zeka. Step grandchildren Caden, Reagan and Rylee Markley; Devyn Mortenson; Hannah, Isaiah, Nattalie and Steven Mortenson. Great -granddaughter Tatum Zeka and great-grandson Bentley Zeka. Karen is also survived by her brother Bob (Karolyn) White, sisters LaVonne Keyser and Sharon (Ace) Koppold, sister-in-Law Joyce (Julius) White and many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Markey, her parents, her brothers Bernard Larson, Richard Larson, Julius White, Lloyd White, Jr, and her sister Irene Larsen.

Funeral Services for Karen will be held 10:30 a.m., April 21st, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa at Iles Grandview Park Chapel. Burial will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery where Karen and Charlie can be together to rest in love and peace.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers who provided Karen such great care including The Bungalows of Indian Land and Mecklenburg Health & Rehabilitation Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can made to the family.

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Karen Markley, please visit our Tribute Store.