Tuesday, April 7, 2015 3:42 pm
Karith Remmen, 43, of Des Moines, passed away in her home from a stroke Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Services were at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Pastor Mark Kvale officiating. Organist was Paul Bruvold. Pianist was Annette Remmen. Hymns were “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” “Beautiful Savior” and “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” Special music was “Bridge over Troubled Waters.” Interment was at Washington Prairie Cemetery, Decorah. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.
Karith Anna Remmen was born Sept. 17, 1971, in Rochester, Minn., the daughter of Steven Remmen and Marilyn (Turner) Remmen. She was a stepdaughter to Jane (Bowers) Remmen and Carol (Harris) Remmen. She spent her years growing up with her parents, Jane and Steve and sisters Laurie and Kelly. Karith was baptized and confirmed at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church. She attended elementary school at South Winneshiek and later Postville Schools. She graduated from Postville High School in 1990. She attained a baccalaureate degree from Upper Iowa University and a master’s in education from Iowa State University. Karith was married to Greg Humpal for 19 years. They became the parents of Kaitlyn Jo Dec. 23, 1992. Karith entered her career in public education and later transitioned to the field of public health and health information technology. Karith had a great zest for life. She was a best friend to many, including her daughter. She was a fun-loving person who found the positive side to any situation. She could talk to and connect with anyone. Karith was always helpful to friends and family. She played piano, flute and enjoyed music. Karith was always the first one on the dance floor and the last one off. Her smile and laugh were contagious. She loved outdoor activities in the summer months, often camping and kayaking on the river, bravely overcoming her fear of bugs. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Karith is survived by her daughter, Kaitlyn Humpal, West Des Moines; two sisters, Laurie Ellingson and her husband Cory, Lawler and Carolin Remmen and her husband Sherman Watts, Decorah; two step-mothers, Jane (Bowers) Remmen, Waterville and Carol (Harris) Remmen, Postville; grandparents: Glenn and Ruth Remmen, Decorah and Merle Turner, Postville; aunts and uncles: Nancy (Remmen) Layton and husband Bruce, Bethesda, Md.; Susan Bowers Vergeront, Waunakee, Wis.; Bruce Turner and wife Sherilynn, Queen Creek, Ariz.; Douglas Turner and wife Shelley, Forest City; Kent Turner and wife Joanne, Minneapolis, Minn., and Sandy (Turner) Todd, Winona, Minn.; along with several cousins.
Karith was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn (Turner) Remmen and her father, Steven Remmen; her grandfather, Boyd Turner and uncles, Richard Paine and Owen Todd.
Submit A Comment
Fill out the form to submit a comment. All comments require approval by our staff before it is displayed on the website.