Karen Jo WEILAND

WEILAND, CARLSON, OLTHOFF, JACKSON, DOUGHERTY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/10/2010 at 10:53:20

Belmond Independent, Iowa
March 2, 2004

Karen Jo Weiland, 48, died February 26, 2004 at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake. Services were held March 1 at the United Methodist Church in Klemme with Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Interment was at Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.
Music was provided by organist Madelyn Priebe and soloist Bev Thorson. Ushers were Arlyn Waddingham and John Schwichtenberg. Honorary casket bearers were Jennifer Olthoff, Jayme Dougherty, Katie Weiland and Krystal Jackson. Casket bearers were Travis Olthoff, Jared Jackson, K.C. Weiland, Brandon Weiland, Josh Jackson and Eric Dougherty.

Karen Weiland was born May 27, 1955 at Britt, the daughter of Vernon and Elaine (Carlson) Weiland. At a young age she was diagnosed as severely handicapped. At age 12 Karen began attending Happy Arc in Garner, a structured school for the disabled. She continued there until age 21 when she started at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake. In October 1980 Karen became a full-time resident of the Village. Karen was the big sister in the family and focused on keeping peace and harmony in the relationships that surrounded her. She was unable to speak clearly, but her ability to communicate was excellent. "Jo-Jo", as her father called her, enjoyed going for rides with her father, activities with her mother, going for ice cream, looking at magazines, listening to music, and family gatherings. She was very comfortable living at Opportunity Village with her adopted second family and enjoyed the activities there. Her life touched countless people. She had a warm smile, wonderful personality and loved to hug.

She was preceded in death by her father. Survivors include her mother of Klemme; sisters Kathy (Verlyn) Olthoff of Klemme, Kay (Joe) Jackson of New Baden, IL; brothers Kenneth (Donna) Weiland and Kelly (Deb) Weiland, all of Klemme; nieces and nephews Travis Olthoff, Brandon Weiland, Jared and Josh Jackson, K.C. Weiland, Jayme (Eric) Dougherty, Jennifer Olthoff, Katie Weiland and Krystal Jackson.