Karen Bell

Karen Kay Bell (nee Claussen) was born August 27, 1956, in Atlantic, Iowa, to Victor and Betty Claussen (nee Hayter). She was the only daughter out of four children. She entered into rest on January 1, 2018.

Karen grew up on Rose Hill in Anita and attended Anita High School. She loved to play cards, make jokes, and sew. She proudly made many of her own school clothes. She also loved to draw (and was good at it) and listen to music. She even taught a few of her nephews how to dance (especially The Hustle during American Bandstand on Saturday mornings). Her nieces and nephews were as special to her, in so many ways, like her own children.

On August 28, 1974, she married Roger Huffman at St. John’s Lutheran in Anita. On January 1, 1979, they welcomed the first of their 4 children, Amy Lou Ann. A New Year baby. There was a terrible blizzard that year and it was a miracle they made it to the hospital in time for delivery. On May 9, 1982, they were blessed with the most beautiful set of twin girls, LeAnna Kay and Lisa Marie. A Mother’s Day Gift. Sadly, they entered the world prematurely and 17 days later they lost Lisa. On November 9, 1986, they proudly welcomed Samuel LaVerne, their first boy.

In July 1998, Karen married her second husband, Brad Bell. Along with Brad, Karen welcomed his daughter, Tonya Marie. She got one more daughter and loved her very much. She loved all of her children very much. She also spent 3 years helping raise her nephew, Bradly Claussen.

Karen worked many jobs. Some of her jobs included a nurse’s aide, telemarketer, hospice aide, meals on wheels, inventory specialist (where she travelled to New York City), and at Casey’s in Anita. She was the local Sandwich Queen and served even more smiles than she did great sandwiches.

Karen loved to be Meemaw, Grammy KK, and Grandma to the lights of her life, her six beautiful grandchildren: Hailey and Mariah Huffman, Zack and Ally Omiecinski, Harley Ellard, Henry Herron, and looking forward to a grandson due to arrive on Valentine’s Day.

Karen is survived by the father of her four children; Amy Omiecinski (Kevin) and their children Zachary and Allison, of Plainfield, IL, LeAnna Herron (Drew) and their son Henry of Robbinsdale, MN, Samuel Huffman of Anita and his daughters Hailey and Mariah Huffman of Atlantic, and their father Roger Huffman (Kendra Sorum), her daughter Tonya Bell and granddaughter Harley of Grand Isle, LA; a brother, Randy (Theresa) Claussen; and sister-in-law, Donna Claussen. Several nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. They will remember the silly songs she sang just for them, her renowned cooking (cheeseburger casserole, potato salad, beans, roasts, and more) and the very best hugs in the world.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Huffman (in infancy); her husband, Brad Bell; her parents, Victor and Betty Claussen; her grandparents, Fred and Margaret Claussen and Louis and Eva Hayter; older brothers, Larry Claussen and Terry Claussen; nephew, Brian Claussen; and two great-nieces, Jordan Rose Brosam and Payton Rose Shadden; many aunts, uncles, and other relatives and good friends.

Karen brought laughter and light to so many of us whether it was through a joke, a laugh, or a hug. She was the most genuine and loving person many of us will ever know.

“Karen, your shining eyes and great laughter will always be our greatest memory. We love you!” – Your Huge Family

One of Karen’s favorites: May your light surround me, your love enfold me, your power protect me, and your presence always be with me……. May God Bless us all.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the United Methodist Church in Anita, Iowa.

Please join the family for a light lunch in the church basement after the service.

Hockenberry Family Care is in charge of professional services.