Courtney, Karen Lynne (Gavle) 1962 - 2018

COURTNEY, GAVLE, HEIER, CASTERTON, RYAN, SELNESS, HEMESATH, BOLAND

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 8/6/2018 at 11:25:42

Karen Courtney, age 55, of Decorah, Iowa died on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, IA.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church with Rev. Kurt Bockoven presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue in Decorah and also after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Thursday morning.

Karen Lynne (Gavle) Courtney was born on July 17, 1962 the daughter of Burton “Bud” and Kathryn (Heier) Gavle in Decorah, IA. Karen grew up on her family farm and loved every minute of the farm life. She always had fond memories from her childhood on the farm with her siblings, relatives, and neighbors. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1980. Karen attended NICC in Calmar where she completed the secretarial program. Karen continued to stay at NICC after graduating and worked for 36 years as the Student Services Administrative Assistant. She loved her job, the school, her co-workers, and the students. She went above and beyond for the students and cared for each student. She married Brian Courtney on November 25, 1989 at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church in Highlandville, IA. Brian and Karen lived in Decorah. Anyone you ask would tell you Karen had a heart of gold, was patient, kind, and loved all her children dearly. She would do anything and everything for anyone. Her family was the most important thing to her and she cherished every minute with her family. She recently took a trip with her dad and Emma to visit her uncle out in Idaho. She never missed a birthday and always remembered to send a “thank you” card. Karen loved seeing plays and musicals; Chanhassen Dinner Theatre was one of her favorite summer trips she enjoyed.

Karen is survived by her husband: Brian Courtney, Decorah, IA. Children: Katie (Justin) Casterton, Decorah, IA; Chad Courtney, Decorah, IA; James (Amber) Courtney, Archer, IA, and Kristofor Courtney, Calmar, IA. Grandchildren: Soon to be Baby Casterton in August, Trey, Madyson and Clare Courtney; Makayla and Anthony Courtney. Father: Burton “Bud” (Friend, Emma) Gavle. Sister: Debra (Randy) Ryan, Ankeny, IA. Brothers: Nels Gavle, Decorah, IA and Mark (Wendy Selness) Gavle, Decorah, IA. Sisters-in-law: Mary (Matt) Hemesath, Ridgeway, IA and Kwang Courtney, Rushford, MN. Brothers-in-law: Patrick (Sandra) Courtney, Colton, OR and Kelly (Carrie) Courtney, Decorah, IA along with many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother: Kathryn (Heier) Gavle. Son: Anthony Courtney. Father and mother-in-law: Lawrence and Ruth (Boland) Courtney. Brother-in-law: Kevin Courtney.

Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database

Big Canoe Lutheran Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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