Karen Ann Fritz, the daughter of Dale Erwin and Anna Elizabeth (Gallagher) Carlson, was born March 13, 1956 in Sioux Falls, SD. She died March 13, 2016 at her home in Oakland, IA at the age of 60 years.

Karen attended school in Sioux Falls, graduating from Washington High School. After graduating, Karen moved to Oakland to start a family of her own. She opened her home as a daycare before becoming a certified nursing assistant. Karen worked at Oakland Manor and Oakland Heights for many years before retiring.

Karen was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was very connected to nature and enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, fishing, and camping. Karen was always known as a caregiver; whether caring for people, animals, or plants. She especially loved being a grandma and spending time with her grandchildren.

Karen is preceded in death by her son Joshua on February 1, 2014.

She is survived by her children, Jaime Fritz of Oakland, IA and Jeremy Fritz and wife Michelle of Glenwood, IA; her parents Dale and Anna Carlson of Hartford, SD; her grandchildren, Haleigh and Clayton; her brothers, David Carlson of Sioux Falls, SD and Dale Carlson, JR. of Hartford, SD; and her daughter-in-law Melissa Fritz. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.