Memorial

Karlett Bever, 76, died peacefully Jan. 8, 2025, at Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha. A memorial visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church with a memorial service beginning at 12:30 PM. Private Inurnment will be at Christ Episcopal Church Columbarium. Arrangements entrusted to Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Karlett was born in 1948 in Fon du Lac, Wis., to Karl and Floreine Kuehn. She attended Kaukauna High School, home of the “Galloping Ghosts” as she liked to mention, and graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wis. in 1970 with a psychology degree.

Karlett enjoyed beautiful summers in Door County, Wis., where she met her husband, Tony.

They were married in 1970 and lived initially in Laredo, TX at the Laredo Air Force Base where Tony was stationed for military flight training. Later, they moved to Cherry Point Naval Air Station in Havelock, NC. Karlett learned to fly, too, and earned a pilot’s license of her own.

By 1973, the couple flew back to Iowa and made their home in Cedar Rapids and Marion, where they raised two daughters, Kim and Amanda.

As a homemaker, Karlett took great pride in running her household and raising her children. After they grew, she joined her husband Tony at Securities Corporation of Iowa (SCI), initially as an office assistant and ultimately, once again, earning her own license and becoming a stockbroker.

She loved to keep busy and lend a helping hand whenever she could – everything from taking food to a sick friend to herding the neighbor’s escaped cattle with her jeep. She loved outdoor walks with friends for long conversations and to enjoy nature.

As “Gigi” to her four grandchildren, she liked to support them in moments of difficulty by reminding them “life’s not fair, and nobody’s perfect.” Christmastime, however, often was. She loved to spoil them with immaculately wrapped presents and perfectly cooked prime rib. And she took great pride in following their activities and accomplishments.  Her practice of baking dozens upon dozens of Christmas treats to give to friends and family become a yearly tradition her daughters continue today.

Karlett was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers, steadfastly following the team in good times and bad. She was active in philanthropic clubs like PEO and Kiwanis as well as in her church, Christ Episcopal where she liked to organize and attend coffee times and gatherings. She enjoyed being around people and socializing.

Karlett is survived by her husband of 54 years, Tony; her daughters Kim Alles (Adam Lindenlaub) and Amanda (Andy) Karr; sisters Margaret Byrnes and Lisa Jeansonne; and four grandchildren Quinn, Lincoln, Nick and Amelia. She loved her family and impacted their lives beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.