Karen Tapper
September 2, 1941 ~ January 23, 2017
Karen Lee (Klein) Tapper, 75, peacefully passed away, Monday, January 23, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2017, at First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
She is survived by her four children, Todd Tapper of Cedar Rapids, Dee (Bob) Hospodarsky of Toddville, Kelly Tapper of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Chris (Janalyn Schreiber) Tapper of Alexandria, Virginia; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings, Sue (Fred) Fetterolf of Florida, Donna (Wil) Wilford of Swisher, and Robert (Gretchen) Klein of Cedar Rapids.
Karen was born September 2, 1941 to John and Goldie (Houke) Klein in Waterloo, Iowa. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. In 1960, she married Ken Tapper with whom she had four children. They moved from Cedar Rapids to Minnesota in 1967. She was divorced in 1972 and returned to Cedar Rapids in 1975.
Karen retired from Quaker Oats in 2008 after 24 years. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church. She was a beloved aunt to 14 nieces and nephews. Karen will be remembered for her generosity of spirit and her unique sense of humor.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
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No scrabble emoji?! She taught me how to really play scrabble. I think of that fun time whenever I think of her. What a beautiful picture of her. Love to all of the family.
Emily
I loved working and taking our breaks at quaker with this woman ..not only did we laugh a lot , but I so envied watching her do every crossword puzzle without a struggle ..she was smart , fun and a joy to be around with.. my thoughts and prayers to the family.. RIP my friend ..
I am saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She was such a sweet person to work with. Always a smile on her face and such a hard worker. Another of our Quaker “family” gone to soon. Condolences to her family.
Dee, Kelly and family– I was sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. It is so hard to lose a parent. Keep her memories alive, it will help you to get through the grief — your friend Lynne Smith
I worked with Karen at Quaker, and always appreciated her quiet, friendly, and hard working personality.
My condolences to family and friends. Steven Long
Kip & Kelly, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. You are in our thoughts. Big Doug & Kris Doyl