In Memory of Karen Lansink

Karen Lansink, age 84, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Sioux City, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Father William A. McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Arlington Cemetery of Moville, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Karen Mae Lansink, one of six children born to Joseph L. and Elaine C. (Schrunk) Collins, was born on May 15, 1940, in Oto, Iowa. She grew up in the Moville, Iowa, area and graduated from Woodbury Central High School in 1958. 

On June 6, 1959, Karen married Kenneth E. Koch and later divorced after 26 years of marriage. On July 26, 1986, Karen married Darrell Larison and became stepmother to his five adult children Tami, Greg, Lisa, Daren, and Shawn.  Darrell entered eternal rest on April 26, 1999. On December 23, 2002, Karen married Richard Lansink and became stepmother to his four adult children John, Elaine, Donna, and JoLynn. 

Karen enjoyed being a business owner. She owned the Frosty Treat in Hawarden, Iowa and The Diet Center in Ida Grove, Iowa. In 1995 Karen obtained her certification as a licensed massage therapist and opened The Healthy Touch in Ida Grove, operating until 2008. She also acquired several businesses including Pronto and Ida Grove Homes through her late husband Darrell. 

Karen was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and enjoyed baking for funeral luncheons. She was also a volunteer with Hospice of Ida Grove, lending comfort to others in their final days. Karen enjoyed painting, crafting, walking, and wintering in Arizona. 

Survivors include her husband Richard Lansink of Ida Grove, IA and his children: John (Linda) Lansink, Elaine (Bob) McGarry, Donna (George) Schmidt, and JoLynn (Peter) Madsen; and many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. Also survived by Darrell’s children: Tami (Kenny) Lewis, Greg (Tami) Larison, Lisa (Greg) Whigham, Daren (Deanne) Larison, and Shawn (Amy) Larison; and many step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, and step-great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph L. and Elaine Collins; brothers Joseph (Darlene) Collins and Charles (Carol) Collins; sisters Linda (Larry) Graves, JoAnn (Wilbur) Boggs, Cathy (Duane) Jones, and Terri Ann Collins (in infancy); her first husband Kenneth Koch and second husband Darrell Larison.