Karen K Reede

Karen Kay Reede of Davenport, Iowa, passed away on December 10, 2025. She was born in Urbana, Illinois, on March 22, 1952, to Betty and Owen Sauerlender, after her two brothers, Philip and Richard. She was united in marriage with Edward Reede in 1971, and they remained together for 54 years until Karen's passing.

Karen received a master's degree in Theology from Northwestern University, and also received a bachelor's and master's degree in Accounting from Penn State University where she also had a minor in music, which was her true calling. She played the piano throughout her life and was the organist of Faith United Methodist Church in Davenport, Iowa. She also composed a book of hymns.

Karen was proud to be a third generation member of the sisterhood of PEO through which she was privileged to have lifelong friendships and loving support. She was an avid reader and bookclub member. She was also a talented seamstress and designed and sewed banners and altar clothes for many churches. Her artistic talent spanned across all the arts, whether it was cake decorating, the blankets and prayer shawls that she crocheted, the doll clothes that she sewed for her granddaughter, or the Christmas cards that she designed and calligraphed every year. She added a flourish to everything that she did.

Those left to cherish Karen's memory are her husband, Edward Reede, her son, Philip Reede, her daughter, Carrie Reede, and her four grandchildren Naser, Elle, Tommy, and Halle.

Those who knew Karen know we would be remiss not to acknowledge the many cats she has cherished, Gypsy, Mopsy, Percy, Snooky, Miko, and Callie, who are purring with her now, and Tabby, who will join her at the end of her ninth life.