Karel Jones dies at 73
Karel Jones age 73 died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 at her home in Omaha, Neb.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Nashua with Rev. John Tunnicliff presiding. Interment will be held at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in Charles City with Josh Jones, Jake Jones, Jared Jones, Brooke Jones, Haley Jones and Tyler Lewis serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Chad Jones, Steve Lewis, Aaron Babcock, Brianna Becker, Carissa Becker, Brett Becker, Erica Becker and the 1990 Peanut Clusters.
Friends may greet the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home -- Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Karel Louise Jones was born Oct. 14, 1943 in Hampton, the daughter of Keith and Thelma (Hermanson) Baltzer. She attended her early years of school in Shell Rock before graduating from Manly High School in 1962. She married Raymond Jones on Nov. 24, 1962 at the First Congregational Church in Nashua. To this union four children were born.
Karel worked at the Nashua Elementary School for many years in the kitchen and as an office aide. After working at the school she went to CUNA Mutual in Waverly. Karel was a customer service representative there for almost 20 years before retiring in 2005. After retirement she enjoyed working at Casey’s General Store in both Nashua and Omaha.
Karel was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Nashua and Gretna, NE. She was a devoted member of UMW and the church Circle. In 1971, the Order of the Eastern Star became an important part of her life where she held numerous local offices and the distinguished positions of District Instructor, Grand Representative of Minnesota in Iowa and Grand Chaplain of Iowa. She was also a member of the Nashua Booster Club during her children’s time in high school, organizing the football concession stand for many years.
Karel always placed her children and grandchildren at the center of her life. It didn't matter if it was their sporting events, drag races or school activities; she rarely missed. Karel truly enjoyed keeping book for all of the sporting events for her children and grandchildren over the years.
Karel loved all sports. The Iowa Hawkeyes held a special place in her heart. Karel enjoyed sending cards to her friends and family for every occasion possible. It didn't matter if it was a big holiday or a small occasion, she always sent a card. Karel also loved snow, snowmen, baking and playing card games, especially Canasta.
She is survived by two sons, Jeff (Sheri) Jones of Waterloo, Tim (Jill) Jones of West Jordan, Utah; two daughters, Angie (Steve) Lewis of Omaha, Neb., Jen (Aaron) Babcock of Bennet, Neb.; seven grandchildren, Chad Jones, Brooke Jones, Haley Jones, Josh Jones, Jake Jones, Jared Jones and Tyler Lewis.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Raymond on June 17, 2006 and her brother Klaire Baltzer.
