Karen Kathleen McQueen, known by all who loved her as “Katie,” passed away peacefully at home on December 28, 2024, at the age of 73.
Born in Shenandoah August 12, 1951, to Neva Maxine (Berger) and Louis Glen Meek, Katie grew up on a farm outside of Farragut, Iowa, with her older brother, Lou, and younger sister, Barb, under the supervision of loving parents, grandparents and beloved babysitters. A collector of Barbie dolls, seamstress of fashionable dresses, and a fan of cheering on the Farragut Admiral women’s basketball team, Katie lived her life however she wished, which was certainly a life dedicated to her family with a knack for making an impression on young minds.
On January 22, 1971, Katie married her high school (actually, 3rd grade) sweetheart, Jim McQueen, at Farragut Methodist Church and together they raised Amanda (Andy) Klein of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and Mike (Sasha) McQueen of Moraga, California, while growing Jim’s medical practices in Carroll and Glidden, Iowa. Katie’s legacy continues through her adored grandchildren: Kellen, Neva, Stanley & Ben Klein, and Margot & Sadie McQueen, who brought her immense joy, amusement and pride.
Following her graduation from Farragut High School in 1969, Katie was employed at Security Trust Savings and Loan in Shenandoah before moving to Des Moines and working at Brenton Bank and Farm Bureau Insurance while Jim completed his training at Des Moines School of Osteopathic Medicine. Upon moving to Carroll in 1977, Katie dedicated herself to creating a fun and nurturing home life for her family all while working at Jim’s medical practice and fulfilling her professional aspirations attending school part time. Katie completed her associates degree at DMACC in Carroll and then earned a language arts and early education degree from Iowa State University. She found her true calling teaching middle school English, a career she embarked upon in 1999 at Kuemper Catholic Middle School and then continued for many wonderful years at Carroll Middle School. Her passion for literature, drama club, and the annual trip to Springbrook inspired and influenced countless students.
In addition to her teaching career, Katie was an active member of the Carroll community. She proudly served several terms, including as president, on the Carroll school board. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as she taught Sunday school and served in many additional roles at the Carroll Methodist Church, with fond memories of her time performing with the bell choir and organizing the Swedish smorgasbord. She served as officer and regional delegate for her local PEO chapter, and maintained a strong support for New Hope Village throughout her 43 years in Carroll. Katie found relaxation biking and hiking the local trail systems, and enjoyed playing in her yard, restoring antique furniture and waterskiing and boating with her family at the lake. She adored socializing while playing bridge and cherished the moments spent with her close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as “the grannies.”
Katie was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Harold and Faye Meek and John and Marie Berger, aunt Dixie Jessen, uncles Tom Jessen and Bill Rose, and cousin Jeff Jessen.
She is survived by her loving husband, children, grandchildren, and siblings Lou (Cheryl) Meek of Omaha, NE and Barb (Gary) Bosley of Shenandoah, IA, as well as cousin Jennifer (Tim) Briscoe of Oregon and aunt Betty Rose of Arizona, nephews Nick (Jessica) Bosley of Shenandoah and Matt Bosley of Omaha, nieces Brianne (Ryan) Capps of Kansas City and Carolyn Meek of Omaha. Her absence is profoundly felt by all who knew her, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and a lifelong love of learning. Katie McQueen’s spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. A celebration of life will take place in the spring.
Professional services are under the direction of Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service in Shenandoah, Iowa. Remembrances and condolences may be shared at www.swimemorial.com
