Karen Jolene “Cork” Wagenaar, daughter of Michael James and Mabel Beulah (De Bruyn) Wagenaar, was born in Sheldon, IA on May 23, 1953.

    Cork received her education at Sheldon where she attended Sheldon High School. Throughout her youth, she had worked as a Candy Striper as well as various other jobs.

    By nature, Cork was a thoughtful, caring individual, and rarely forgot to acknowledge family and friends on their birthdays. Her specialty for family members was her famous Popcorn Birthday Cake which everyone looked forward to. She enjoyed working on crafts and spending time doing projects with her nieces and nephews.

    After her father’s passing, she, her mother, and Aunt Jenny (along with their dog companions) would travel to different places throughout the United States in their motor home, stopping to see popular sights along the way.

    Being an animal lover, Cork always had a dog companion by her side. Her beloved “Petey” was only put down this past June.   

    On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Cork passed away on the family farm near Sheldon where she had lived most of her life. Preceding her were her parents, Mike and Mabel Wagenaar, brothers: Hank, Jim “Speed”, Fred, and Ken “Scrub” Wagenaar.

    Survivors include her sisters: Jackie Wagenaar and Judy (Bob) Kruse all of Sheldon, IA, and Marge Langmeyer of Ripon, CA; two brothers: Don (Dee) Wagenaar of Archer, IA and Jerry (Ranae) Wagenaar of Paulina, IA; sisters-in-law, Dian Wagenaar of Archer, IA and Mary Wagenaar of Sheldon, IA; nieces, nephews and their children; other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to

St. Croix Hospice of Spirit Lake, Iowa