Karen E. Peasley, age 87, of Burlington, IA, formerly of Stronghurst, IL, passed away at 10:30 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2026 at Bickford of Burlington Assisted Living Center. She was born May 15, 1939 in Burlington, the daughter of Elias Rudolph and Lucille (Nolen) Freed. On April 20, 1958, she married Charles Richard “Dick” Peasley in Burlington.
Karen was a Legal Secretary for Fort, Fort & Hennenfent Attorneys in Stronghurst for over thirty years. Earlier, she was employed at the Bank Of Stronghurst for five years. She served on the Board of Directors of the Henderson County Health Department, and was a member of the King’s Daughters of Burlington, The Red Hat Ladies, and the United Methodist Church.
Karen enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, shopping, touring the Spoon River Drive, and traveling to Florida with her husband. She also loved going fishing with him on the Mississippi River, but always claimed she lived with the best “catch” of her life. Another great joy was hosting yearly treasure hunts for the grandkids.
Survivors include her husband, Dick, one son, Dr. Daniel (Marti) Peasley of Stronghurst, one daughter, Cindi (Michael) Crockett of Tampa, FL, four grandchildren, Kelsey (Nick), Weitzel, C. Joey Peasley, Ingrid Crockett and Greta Crockett, five great grandchildren, Keaton Weitzel, Paisley Weitzel, Quinn Crockett, Elliott Crockett, and Isla Joy, and one sister, Bonnie Basten of Edina, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Betty Mauer.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 16 in the Stronghurst Cemetery, with Rev. Karna Peterson officiating. No visitation is planned. A memorial fund has been established for the Carman United Methodist Church. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit Karen’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave an online condolence.
