Karen L. Eschbach

Karen L. Eschbach, 81, of Lost Nation, Iowa went to her heavenly home on Friday, April 24, 2026, following a brief illness.

Karen Lillian Eschbach was born May 31, 1944, in Maquoketa, Iowa to George and Lillian (Kunde) Elias. She was baptized in June of 1944 in Elvira, Iowa. She attended Elvira school before moving to a farm near Calamus, Iowa. Karen was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, where she was confirmed in May of 1959. She graduated from Calamus Community School in 1962. Karen then married Kivian Eschbach on November 27, 1962, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Mound, Iowa. They later divorced. Over the years, Karen had many jobs including a telephone operator, CNA at various nursing homes, as well as being a cook at a nursing home.

Karen loved playing cards, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. She loved going to garage sales and was always finding little treasures and trinkets for someone in her family. Karen enjoyed the last 20 years in a senior housing apartment in Lost Nation where she had many friends. They all looked out for each other. She enjoyed her little dog, “Mokey,” who she loved taking with her whenever possible.

She is survived by her children, Kurt “Chum” Eschbach of Lost Nation, Kristine (Greg “Gus”) Anderson of DeWitt, Kenneth “Goober” (Teresa) Eschbach of Grand Mound; grandchildren, Bridgett (Anthony) Eads, Brandon (Malia, fiancée) Anderson, Jamie Schaver, Brittny (Justin, partner) Schaver, Jeffrey (Lindsey) Eschbach, Madison (Makai, partner) Eschbach; beloved great-grandchildren, Emma Eads, Everly Eads, William Schaver, Kenneth Schaver, Brayleigh Schaver, Aubrey Knight, Kivian Eschbach, Kohen Eschbach, Kiah Hart, and Alycki Hart; a brother, Allan (Nancy) Elias; a nephew Brian (Wanda) Elias.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her half-brother, Lester Matthiesen, and her two nieces, Janice Matthiesen and Lisa Keller.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Faith Lutheran Church in Calamus from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2026. A service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the church with Pastor Leah Holloway-Nilsen officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Calamus.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, Grand Mound. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com