Obituary

Karen Rae Brauer, 75, passed away on October 31, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Iles Grandview Park Chapel. A visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Karen will be interred in Ankeny Memorial Gardens Cemetery immediately following services.

Karen was born in Des Moines, Iowa on February 21, 1950, to Elmer and Mildred (Campbell) Grigsby. She graduated from North High School with the Class of 1968. Karen began her lifelong journey of helping others as a candy striper when she was young. Her desire to help others be their best guided her through every chapter of her life.

Karen’s dream to become a mother came true in having her three daughters with her former husband Gary, and her dedication as a “domestic engineer” as she would phrase it, laid the foundation for them to achieve their dreams. When her daughters began school, she was a lunchroom monitor at Madison Elementary school. Later, she worked as a learning therapist at Ankeny Christian Academy, where she helped establish a program dedicated to supporting children with different learning abilities. Her passion for helping children discover their unique paths to learning left a lasting impact, and many of those children continue to thrive because of her dedication. She also went to school and worked as a certified phlebotomist for a while; always finding ways to care for others.

In December of 2019, Karen married the love of her life, Jim Brauer. Together, they found joy in taking road trips and having life experiences; the most memorable being traveling to Branson, Galena, Illinois, and Orange City for the annual Tulip Festival. Karen also had a soft spot for animals, and is survived by her dogs, Angel, Buddy, Belle, and Lovey.

Karen will be remembered for her warm humor, her infectious laugh, and her generous heart. She found joy in shopping and antiquing, and in anything that sparkled. Christmas held a special place in her heart; she transformed her home each year into a magical, festive haven that reflected her love and creativity.

Karen is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters, Tracie (Ryan) Shaner, Amitie (Jay) Keuning, and Terrell (Travis) West; stepdaughter, Patti (Doug) VanderHart; grandchildren: Lane (Olivia) VanderHart, Allyson VanderHart, Miriam Shaner, Brady VanderHart, Elise Keuning, Joel Shaner, Tanner Keuning, and Elijah Shaner; great-grandchildren Parker VanderHart and Elaine VanderHart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Carolyn Sue Cole.

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