Karen Sue Tighe, 69, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Services: 1 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Anderson Cemetery, Swisher, Iowa.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Michael 'Mike' Tighe; mother, Mary Christianson; son, Michael Sean Tighe; grandchildren, Dylan, Rylan, and Emerson Tighe; brother, Fred (Nancy) Koontz; and sister, Char Stevens.
Karen was born on April 18, 1953, in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Freelan and Mary (Brown) Koontz. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1971. On March 6, 1970, Karen married Michael Tighe. She worked in retail for several years, but her favorite job was taking care of her family at home.
She will be remembered for her big heart, being a mom to many, and a friend to all. Karen loved kids, especially her grandchildren. She made every holiday special, but Christmas was always her favorite. Karen enjoyed watching football, playing the guitar, and helping out at Trinity Lutheran School with the third-grade students and the Boy Scouts.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Freelan; grandson, Peyton; daughter-in-law, Kristin; sister, Catherine Koch; and step-father, Graydon Christianson.
Memorials are suggested to the family.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
I learned of Karen’s passing this morning at Breakfast. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I always enjoyed visiting with her even though I did not know her for very long.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sean, Dylan, Rylan & Emmy, Sorry for your loss! Lifting your family up in prayer!
I am so sorry to the Tighe family at the loss of Karen. I will always remember her from the baseball games that she and Mike attended when Terry coached Sean. Although that has been many years ago, there are some people a person never forgets. My deepest sympathy to you. Jeanne Fratella
With deepest sympathy, to a beautiful friend whose heart was always big and full of love and kindness. Will miss you greatly Karen. Sue. Daija
I have many fond memories of our Trips to KC and you cheering on for us during sports! Love ya Karen. Prayers for peace and strength for Mike.
Loved all the memories we made on our trips to Kansas City, going to baseball games and you cheering me and Sean on during sporting events. One of our biggest fans and you were ours💞💔
I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t know Karen, but I believe my husband, John Inman, is the biological son of Graydon Christianson. Would anyone in the family be willing to reach out to me via email (jackolinecarterinman@gmail.com) or text (530.306.8734)? I’d certainly appreciate it! We know so little about Graydon.