Karolyn K. Riggins

Karolyn Kay Riggins, age 79, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Marshalltown, IA, completed her earthly journey on May 30, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque.  To honor Karolyn’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Karolyn’s family.

Karolyn was born on July 11, 1944, in Marshalltown, IA, a daughter to Joe and Marie (Talbert) Kopel.  She was blessed to spend the majority of her life in the Marshalltown area surrounded by family and friends through each day.  Karolyn was a wonderful wife and mother who found her greatest joy in loving and nurturing her family.  There was no happier place in her life than playing this role to the best of her abilities.  In her free-time, Karolyn always took advantage of every opportunity to spend time with the horses.  An afternoon in the barn was always considered to be time well spent.  She also took time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.  A little Glenn Miller Orchestra on the radio, or a few episodes of Perry Mason on the tv were among her favorites, and to relax and enjoy either with a rice krispie treat in hand was all the better in her mind.  We know her affinity for Pizza Ranch was also well known and appreciated by those around her and we’ll never forget our last visit ending with her content and joyful smile residing peacefully upon her beautiful face.  Again, enjoying the simple moments and leaving all stress and complication behind intentionally.  Karolyn embraced life with a touch of spunk when required and always with a tender heart.  It’s difficult to imagine life moving forward with the pain of loss we face today, but we accept that Karolyn needed to finally have rest from her earthly battles and trust that she will be peacefully and patiently waiting for us all to rejoin her in time.  Thank you, Karolyn, for the love, lessons, and legacy you leave behind and may the Lord keep you safe and secure in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Karolyn include,

her two daughters,

Janice (Earl) Waltemeyer, Marshalltown, IA,

and Lisa (Dan) Starn, Marshalltown, IA;

her five grandchildren,

Nikki (Matt) Adelmund, Dubuque, IA,

Colton Burrell, Marshalltown, IA,

Deven (Shane Pollard Starn) Starn, Des Moines, IA,

Cameren Starn, Marshalltown, IA,

and Nolan (Haylie Owens-Starn) Starn, LeGrand, IA;

her five great-grandchildren,

Laycee Adelmund, Aaron Adelmund, Kadance Adelmund, Teddy Starn, and Jack Starn;

her brother,

Richard Kopel, Pleasant Hill, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Karolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Robert Riggins and Leroy Skees; and her sister-in-law, Frances Kopel.

Karolyn’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Karolyn’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com