Karen Sue (Pitt) Lenninger (2024)
CLINKENBEARD, DRABEK, LENNINGER, LOCKE, MARTIN, PITT, RINKERT, SCHNELL, SPENCER
Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 3/24/2024 at 09:51:18
Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home
Winterset Chapel
Winterset, IowaFebruary 22, 1943 - March 20, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Karen Sue (Pitt) Lenninger, who left us on March 20, 2024, at the age of 81.
Karen was born on February 22, 1943, in Cass Twp¸ of Harrison County, Iowa, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Edith Pitt. She grew up on a small farm outside of Logan Iowa with her siblings, where she developed a love for playing cards, music, cooking, and spending time with family. In 1961, Karen graduated from high school in Logan, Iowa. In 1963, she married Robert (Bob) Lenninger, and together they raised four children in Winterset, Iowa.
Throughout Karen’s life she was a hard worker in administration, cleaning services, newspaper distribution, and most importantly, as the family matriarch. As a mother, Karen was the embodiment of love, faith, and family. Karen put her family above herself and was always a phone call away, as she listened and cared deeply. Her passion was her family. Ever since she was a little girl, she knew her calling was to be a wife and mother. This was her greatest joy. She was a talented cook, and her delicious meals were a source of joy for her family. She loved God, listening to 1950s/60s bebop music, gardening, playing the piano, and was a competitive card player. She had a great sense of humor and wit. She was our family’s rock.
In her later years, Karen endured health challenges with courage, strength, and hope. She remained a devoted mother, wise grandmother (Nana), and friend until the very end.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Edith Pitt, as well as four siblings, Norman “Gene” Pitt, Marion Pitt, Marilyn Clinkenbeard, and Gloria Martin and grandson, David Patick Rinkert.
She is survived by her spouse, Robert “Bob” Lenninger; her four children, Suzi (Steve) Locke, Julie (John) Rinkert, Jeff (Amber) Lenninger, and Lisette Lenninger, as well as five grandchildren, Chantel Schnell, (Blake) Jordan Locke, (Don), Levi Locke, Noelle Drabek, James (Allison) Rinkert; eight great-grandchildren, and a large extended family of sister, Janice (Bill) Spencer, as well as several nephews and nieces that she dearly treasured.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the love, wisdom, and kindness she shared with so many.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, March 25, 2024 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel, where family will be present to greet friends one hour prior. Burial will be in the Winterset Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Taylor Hospice House (3401 E Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317).
“It's the way you ride the trail that counts…Happy trails to you,…Until we meet again…”
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