Karen Terese Ahern

Karen Ahern, 79 of Malvern, passed away December 15, 2017 at her home in Malvern.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Red Oak, IA. Private family burial will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern.

Memorials: Malvern Student Loan

Karen Terese Ahern, the oldest of three children of Kenneth Edmund and Dorothy Louise (Boulier) Michaud, was born on July 30, 1938 in Presque Isle, Maine. She went on the graduate from Presque Isle high school and was later accepted into Northeastern University in Boston for x-ray technician school. After graduation, she worked at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston.

Karen and James John Ahern met through a classmate who attended Iowa State University. Ironically they all met up to watch the University of Iowa football game while in Boston.

Karen and Jim were married on November 26, 1960 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Presque Isle. In March 1966, the family moved to Malvern, Iowa where Jim established his veterinarian practice. Karen helped Jim with his veterinarian practice in organization and accounting realms. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Stefanie Louise, James Kenneth, and Michele Doreen.

Both Karen and Jim enjoyed attending their children's high school and college activities and sports events. In all aspects of life, Karen was her children's biggest fan.

Karen loved traveling with Jim to Ireland, Washington State, Arizona and especially making the many trips back to Maine to attend class reunions and see family and friends. She enjoyed flower gardening and had a unique flair for decorating their home with handmade primitive craft items and antiques. Karen loved her community and cherished the ability to work for several of the family businesses that Malvern had to offer.

Karen was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, sister, and a great friend to all who knew her. She exemplified true selflessness of her time, efforts, and compassion. Karen demonstrated this by offering help to friends, making cookies and meals when needed. She was always the first to offer help and guidance for those in need.

Karen passed away at her home in Malvern on December 15, 2017 at the age of 79 years, 4 months and 15 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Dorothy; sister Doreen; and brothers-in-law, John Ahern and Bruce McDonald.

Karen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jim Ahern of Malvern; children Stefanie Shaw and husband John of Tabor, IA, James Ahern and wife Vicki of Kearney, NE, and Michele Ahern of Kansas City, MO; brother Kenny Michaud of Kimberling City, MO, and his children Michael, Hattie, and Kenneth; sisters-in-law, Judith McDonald of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Susan Ahern of Silvis, IL; many nieces and nephews and their families; and a host of friends.