Karen Evans Strehlow

Karen Evans Strehlow, 66, of Ames, Iowa, was born August 13, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Tom and Jean (Turner) Evans. She grew up in Decorah, Iowa, a place that remained special to her throughout her life. Karen passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Sunday, August 23rd 2026.

Karen's life was defined by her love for God, her family, her friends, and her community. She had a rare ability to make everyone feel special, whether she had known you for decades or had just met you. Loving, caring, energetic, bubbly, gracious, and always ready to help, Karen gave of herself freely and loved unconditionally. She also had one of the best smiles in the entire world.

Karen attended Iowa State University and earned a B.S. in Business with a minor in Parks and Recreation. She was a member of Tri Delta sorority and a little sister of Sigma Chi fraternity. At Iowa State, she met her husband, James Bradshaw “Brad” Strehlow, while serving as a timer for the Iowa State men's swimming team. They married in Ames on May 29, 1983, and shared over 43 years together. Brad often joked that Karen would say, “She owns me.” Behind the joke was a deep love; he describes Karen as the best thing that ever happened to him.

Karen was a devoted mother to her three sons, C.J., Tom, and Scotty. She showed up for every swim meet, soccer game, and event, always encouraging her boys with, “Jump high, have fun.” She was equally devoted to her grandchildren Ames (6 years old), Sofia (4 years old), and Hazel (2 years old), whom she loved spending time with, playing games with, and reading to.

Karen was an accomplished athlete herself. She was a member of Decorah High School's 1976 cross-country state championship team and later ran numerous marathons and half-marathons, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon. An avid sports fan, Karen passionately cheered for the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, and, above all, her beloved Iowa State Cyclones.

Her commitment to serving others was a defining part of her life. She worked for Lincoln Property Company as a leasing agent and for Ames Stationers in sales, but she found special purpose in serving her church and community. She volunteered at the Mary Greeley Medical Center Hospitality Shop for more than 30 years and served on numerous local boards, committees, and community organizations. A dedicated member of PEO Chapter KC and Beta Tau Delta chapter.

Karen's faith was at the center of her life. She didn't simply believe in God; she lived her faith through compassion, generosity, prayer, and service. She prayed for and showed up for her family and friends, as well as people she barely knew and even strangers. She found a strong connection at McDowell Mountain Community Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she loved participating in Bible study groups and growing in her faith alongside others.

She will be remembered for her incredible smile, generosity, unconditional love, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel special.

Karen is survived by her husband, Brad, of Ames; sons C.J. Strehlow (Hannah) of Tempe, Arizona; Tom Strehlow (Kellie Campbell) of Centennial, Colorado; and Scotty Strehlow of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren Ames, Sofia, and Hazel; and siblings Chris (Rich) Exsted, Rick (Becki) Evans, and Ron (Jane) Evans.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Jean Evans.

In Loving Memory of Karen Evans Strehlow

Karen's Obituary

Memorial Services

Information & Details

The Visitation

with the Strehlow Family

Funeral Service,

"The Final Tailgate"

Cheer on the Cyclones with Karen

ISU vs. U of Iowa Football Game

Karen is survived by her devoted husband and three beautiful boys

James Bradshaw Strehlow

C.J. Strehlow

Tom Evans Strehlow

Scotty Michael Strehlow