Karen Pauline Garien, 85, of Maquoketa, Iowa passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday morning January 17, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:30 am at the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, IA.  Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, IA.

Karen Pauline Barker was born in Maquoketa on September 16, 1940, to Robert Barker and Glatha Hute Barker. She was a graduate of Maquoketa High School in 1958. She married Billy L. Garien on August 17, 1969, at the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union they adopted a son in 1992, Josh Garien. They spent 56 wonderful years together loving and supporting each other and their families.

Karen worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for 44 years in the accounting department before retiring in 2002. After retirement she assisted her husband on the family farm and spent numerous hours volunteering her time to help others.

Karen was a member of the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary 75 and served as the American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Committee Chairman, The Red Hats Society, The Jackson County Historical Society especially with her contributions to the Clinton Engine Museum, the Clinton Engine Association, and The PALS Program.

Karen enjoyed bowling, dancing, watching sports especially the Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering to help others.

Those left to honor Karen’s memory include her husband, Billy Garien of Maquoketa; son, Josh Garien of Maquoketa; brother, Robert Barker of Dubuque, sister-in-law; Dianne Barker of Maquoketa; nieces: Krista (Todd) Mulder of Shell Rock, Iowa. Nephews: Kevin (Kiri) Barker of Maquoketa, Duane Garien of Miles, IA, Bob (Carolyn) Garien of DeWitt, IA, Randy (Pam) Garien of Maquoketa, and Rory (Caroline) Garien of Edmond, OK; and several great-nieces and great-nephews: Alana (Todd Acton) Barker, Lucas Mulder, Averi Barker, Bryci (Keith) Anderson, Heather (David) Schmidt, Eric (Kristen) Garien, Tara Garien, Lindsey (Bert) Dees, Aaron Garien, Tad Garien, and Cole Garien.

She was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws, sister and brothers-in-law: Wilma Hayden, Don (Lois) Garien and Leroy (Mary Ann) Garien and nieces/nephews: Wayne Garien, Rick Garien, Ronnie Garien, Linda Hayden, Sherry Hayden, Jason Garien, and Ryan Garien.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Jackson County or the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.