Karen Sue Zima

Karen Sue Zima, beloved mother, sister and friend, died March 31, 2016, at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines. She was 69 years old. Her parents preceded Karen in death. The daughter of Leon and Edith Franklin, Karen was born March 14, 1947, in Chicago, Ill. She was a graduate of Newton High School, class of 1965, attended the University of Northern Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa.

Karen retired after 30 years of devoted civil service to the Department of Defense in 2011. After retirement, she enjoyed working at Iowa Cubs baseball games and the Johnston Public Library. Her love of reading, nature and the Iowa Hawkeyes are what loved ones will remember most. Karen also enjoyed traveling and has had adventures across much of the world.  An incredibly devoted mother and sister, Karen was a warm, generous, caring woman who will be greatly missed by many.

Those left to honor her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Brett Zima of Monterey, Calif.; brother, Ron (Marla) Franklin of Des Moines; sister Judy (Dennis) Carlsen of Germantown, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, condolences may be expressed by donating to the Johnston Public Library or National Public Radio.