Karen “Sarge” L. Rodasta, 77, of Dubuque, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Karen was born on April 2, 1948, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Kelsey and Marigold (Robey) Patters. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1966. She married Joseph Rodasta on June 11, 1966, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral in Dubuque.

She retired as a Cook from Finley Hospital in Dubuque and was a long-time member of the TOPS club.

Karen loved to travel, whether it was camping, fishing in Minnesota, or just seeing where the next adventure would take her. There were so many road trips and vacations with friends and family that resulted in memories that will last forever.

She is survived by her loving husband Joseph; daughters: Zandra (Ed) Schamper, Angie (Shannon) Leppert, and Tammy (Baron) Hoskins; grandchildren: Tiffany (Reginald), Ashley (Nicholas), Ryan (Caitlin), Aaliyah (Allen), and Sam; six great-grandchildren; siblings: Ken (Judi) Patters, Keith (Peggy) Patters, Kathy (Ron) Gorman, and Kirt Patters; special friends: Janet, Dave, Sheila, and Blair; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, Jack and Irene Rodasta, and nephew Zac.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund in Karen’s name has been established.