Karen Osdol

Karen Van Osdol, age 41, of Washington, died Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at the Washington County Hospital following a lengthy battle with cancer. Celebration of life services will be held 10:30 am Saturday, April 24th at the St. James Catholic Church with Pastor Colton Clay and Pastor Fred Bickhart officiating. Visitation will begin 2:00 pm Friday at the First Christian Church in Washington where the family will receive friends from 4:00 - 8:00 Friday evening. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa. A memorial has been established to Washington County Relay for Life. Online condolences may be sent for Karen's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com. The Jones - Eden Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Karen was born March 25, 1969 in Sioux City, Iowa the daughter of Henry and Cathy (McKenna) Ronfeldt. She graduated from South Tama High School and later graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Karen was united in marriage to Mike Van Osdol on August 8, 1998 in Urbandale, Iowa. Karen was a member of the First Christian Church in Washington where she was active in many church activities. Her passion in life was her family, especially her husband and her son, Jacob. She poured her heart into Relay for Life where she served as chairperson for several years. Karen was active in the St. James Home & School Association. She enjoyed running and had a soft spot in her heart for animals. She enjoyed attending Bible Studies and spending time with her many devoted friends. Karen had a gift for making everyone she came in contact with feel special. She loved life and loved her Lord. Karen is survived by her husband Mike Van Osdol of Washington, Iowa; one son Jacob Van Osdol, at home; parents Henry and Cathy Ronfeldt of Grinnell, Iowa; brother Kevin Ronfeldt and wife Sonya of Grinnell; mother and father-in-law John and Barbara Van Osdol of Sterling, Illinois; brother-in-law, Thomas Van Osdol and wife Milanka of Naperville, Illinois; 2 nephews and 3 nieces. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.