The early years...
February 5, 2021
Karen was born to John and Mary Simpson on February 19, 1940. She was an only child and spent her childhood and teen years in rural Iowa. She was a self-described tomboy and enjoyed sports and competitions of all types. She also enjoyed multi-week road trips with her parents every summer while she was growing up. She had visited 36 of the 50 states by the time she left for college.
After graduating from Janesville High School, she initially attended Iowa State, where she was happy to socialize with a huge group of friends. Unfortunately, all of the socializing resulted in a less than desirable grade point average. She decided to transfer to Wartburg College, in Waverly Iowa, where she received her degree in Education.
After graduating from Janesville High School, she initially attended Iowa State, where she was happy to socialize with a huge group of friends. Unfortunately, all of the socializing resulted in a less than desirable grade point average. She decided to transfer to Wartburg College, in Waverly Iowa, where she received her degree in Education.