Karen Spilde, age 82, of Decorah, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Evans Memorial in Cresco, Iowa.

A celebration of life will be held from 12:00-3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E Water St., Decorah, Iowa. Burial will be in the Woodbury Cemetery, Lyle, Minnesota at a later date.

Karen Shirley Bengtson was born November 29, 1943 in Rochester, MN. She was the oldest of 3 children of Roger & Shirley Bengtson. She lived a few years in Lyle, MN and Albert Lea, MN before moving with her family to Decorah, IA in 1952. Karen graduated from Decorah High School in 1962. She met the Love of her Life, Robert (Bob) Spilde and they were united in marriage on November 17, 1963. To this union three children were born. Kimberly Rae, Scott Robert, and Sara Lynn. She was very proud of all three of her children and the special adults they had all grown into.

Karen had a very special talent for creating beautiful things! She could hand paint Nisse's, she enjoyed Rosemaling (Norwegian for rose painting), and she had a special way with silk flowers. Karen made flowers for weddings all around the area. Her little touches brought everything to light! Karen was an avid bowler for many years, and she enjoyed doing daycare for a few years also. Karen worked at Super 8 for 14 years, and never met a stranger.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley & Roger Bengtson, her in-laws, Florence Spilde, and Leonard Spilde, Judy Engen, Fritz & Carol Spilde, Curt Spilde, Bill Spilde, and Connie Bengtson her sister in law passed on the same day as Karen.

Karen is survived by two daughters, Kim (Steve) Holthaus, Sara Spilde, and one son, Scott Spilde (Michelle) who all live in Cresco lowa. Seven grandchildren, Kyle Hovden, Chris (Chelsey) Hovden, Paige (Jordan) Schumacher, Lacey (Michael) Fiebelkorn. Jarrett Spilde, Justin Spilde (Dawn), and Alex Richardson. And many great grandchildren!