Karis D. Dietz, 85, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, February 25, 2026, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa.

Karis Diane Ketelsen was born on May 29, 1940, to Kelon “Chick” and Evelyne Gladys (Tinnefeld) Ketelsen.  She grew up in rural Bennett, Iowa until 1953 when her family relocated to Maquoketa.  She was a 1958 graduate of Maquoketa High School and furthered her education at the University of Iowa, where she trained to become a Dental Assistant, a profession she dedicated over 25 years of her life to with passion and excellence.

On February 1, 1963, Karis married John Kozak in Maquoketa, and together they welcomed two daughters, Anne and Jane. She later married Charles L. Dietz on May 22, 1977, in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Karis’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and her work. She served the community, first working for Dr. Marvin Dalchow, then for Dr. Marvin Richeal, and finally for Dr. Bruce D’Agostino. In her retirement, she continued to care for others through private in-home healthcare, touching many lives with her kindness and compassion.

Karis was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  She was a former member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Maquoketa Country Club, Maquoketa YMCA, and a ladies Bridge club.  She enjoyed flower gardening, antiquing, and restoring and refinishing furniture.  In earlier years, she relished traveling and supporting her daughters’ sporting events, always their biggest fan.

Those left to honor her memory include a daughter, Anne Kozak of Claremore, OK; stepson, Cory (Cheryl) Dietz of Woodland Park, CO; son-in-law Mark Breitsprecker of Dubuque, IA; step-daughter-in-law Scarlet Dietz of Blue Grass, IA; 4 grandchildren, Danielle (Jake) Riley, Elena (Kyle) Dietz-Mann, Morgan (Zach Broshous) Dietz, and Clarissa Dietz; brothers, Dave (Carol) Ketelsen of Maquoketa, IA, and Lane Ketelsen of Chicago, IL; nieces Faith Ketelsen of Maquoketa, IA, and Joy (Andy) Yoder of Maquoketa, IA; 4 great-nieces, and 5 great-nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Jane Breitsprecker, husband Charles Dietz, grandson Brogan Craig Dietz, and stepson Craig Dietz earlier this year on January 18, 2026.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30 to 11 A.M. at the church.  Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery Maquoketa.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center is caring for the family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the annual Jackson County Walk to End Alzheimer’s or Hospice of Jackson County.

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