Karen Norene Martinache

Karen Norene (Mattice) Martinache passed on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at her home in Monroe, Iowa surrounded by her family. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Dunreath Cemetery in Marion County, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held from 1-3 p.m. the same day at the Monroe City Hall, 206 Sherman St, Monroe, Iowa. Memorial contributions to Monroe Fire and Rescue may be left at the celebration of life the day of or at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

The family would like to extend their deepest thank you’s to Gerald Malone and Rusty and Gina Vos, as well as to Karen’s caretakers from Gentiva Hospice, Tammy and Sydney, for their kindness and exquisite care.

Karen was born October 30, 1942 to Chester Lawrence Sr. and Jessie Irene Mattice in Atchison County, Missouri. She was known to have a stern and tough demeanor – but she loved her family dearly. She married Donald E. Martinache on March 9, 1972 in Nebraska City, Nebraska and together they raised a family. Karen worked at Caseys for over 18 years and was a homemaker for so many more. Spending time with her grandchildren was one of her favorite past times. She also enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading, and gardening.

Karen is survived by her children; Cindy Tangeman, Wendy Battles (Doug DeHaai), Jim (Karla) Martinache, and Chad Martinache; grandchildren, David Knowles, Jordan Knowles, Heather Tangeman, Samantha McCumber, Jessie Tangeman, Carrie (Ben) McFarland, Alex (Adara) Martinache, Dakota Martinache, Sydney Martinache (Brett Ellringer); siblings, Chester Mattice, JR (Gloria) Mattice, Joy Mattice (Larry Owen); brother-in-laws, Roger Massengale and Kenny Beason; eight great grandchildren; and many other extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald E. Martinache; daughter, Kelly Lynn Knowles; infant son, Bobby in 1963; siblings, Joann Massengale, Evelyn Beason, and Roy Mattice.