Karen Thiher
October 23, 1940 ~ October 22, 2025
Karen Thiher, 84, passed away on October 22, 2025, at Cottage Grove Place, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A private inurnment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family is being cared for by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Karen was born October 23, 1940, daughter to Clarence and Ruth (Andes) Gitt. She graduated from Regis High School in 1959. Karen was united in marriage to David Thiher on September 24, 1962, and together they ran the Food Center Neighborhood Grocery Store for many years. Karen enjoyed playing bingo and poker.
She is survived by her children, David (Trisha) Thiher and Kim (Kenny) Vasser; grandchildren, David (special friend Samantha) Thiher, Melissa Thiher, Luke Thiher, Georgia (Tory) McBroom, and Aleshia (Mike) Vasser; great-grandchildren, David, Nova, Navy, J.J., Cayden, Savannah, Donavin, Roland, Penelope, and Vienna; and many nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David Thiher in 1997; and siblings, Sharon, Janice, and Kathy.
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Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother Karen.
Kim, I am so very sorry for your mom’s passing. She is in heaven with your dad playing bingo I bet. Love you and feel my arms around you in support.
My condolences to her family. I remember Karen’s laughter and her sense of humor while playing Bunco. Her kindness and friendship are one of life’s blessings.
My first job in high school was at the Food Center. Karen and Dave were the best bosses I ever had, they were extremely kind and always cared about how I was doing. My condolences to David and Kim she was a very special lady to me. Rest in peace Karen.
Tom and Julie Day
I was sorry and and saddened to see your Mom’s obit in the paper last week. Sorry because I often wondered where she was and how she was doing. Lost track of her after your dad died in ’97. Come to find out she was staying right up the road from us and our church is right behind Cottage Grove Place! Both your mom and dad were fun to work with at Food Center for about 5 years from 1965 through 1971 or 72. Got to see each of you kids growing up over those years. I learned a lot about business there when I was in high school and college and graduated with a business degree from UNI. A brother of mine and several of my friends also worked there during high school. Karen always made busy days more fun and we laughed together often. My condolences to you and your families.