Karen J. Horner

Karen J. Horner, 80, of Sergeant Bluff, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held. Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff is assisting the family.

Karen was born on November 9, 1945, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Charles and Ethel (Koenig) Tippens. She graduated from Westwood High School with the Class of 1963. On August 18, 1963, Karen was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond C. Horner. She devoted more than 30 years of service to the Sergeant Bluff School District, working at Sergeant Bluff Middle School, where she was a familiar and caring presence to generations of students, staff, and families.

Karen found joy in gardening and tending to her flowers. She was a talented cook and exceptional baker whose homemade meals and treats brought family and friends together. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Christmas was one of her favorite times of year, and she delighted in decorating her home for the season, creating a warm and welcoming place for those she loved. She also looked forward to her Tuesday afternoon coffee group at Pizza Ranch, where she enjoyed good conversation, laughter, and the company of dear friends.

Karen is lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years, Raymond “Ray” Horner; her son, Jeff (Laurie) Horner; her daughters, Shelly (Chris) Johnson, Kathy Little, Debbie Briscoe, and Kim Horner; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Lucille Hoover.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Jacob; her brother, Charles Tippens; and her sisters, Dorothy Miller and Mary Miltenberger.