Karen "Susie" Campbell

***The service recording is available below the obituary.***

Karen "Susie" Campbell, 83, of Lewis, Iowa, died Friday, July 19, 2024, at Atlantic Specialty Care, in Atlantic, Iowa.

Karen Sue was born on January 5, 1941, in Lewis, Iowa, the daughter of Isaac Oscar and Lela Iola (Putnam) Syvertsen. She enjoyed telling the childhood story of convincing her dad at some point they should get a pet monkey but was disappointed when her mom said no! While in high school she was a cheerleader and graduated Valedictorian of the Lewis High School Class of 1959. 

Being in the right place at the right time (there might be a little more to the story), led to a date at the movie, which led to her being married to Larry Campbell on February 14, 1960, at the United Methodist Church in Lewis. The couple was blessed with two sons, Kelly and Jeffrey. Kelly and Jeff always knew when it was time for the holidays and birthdays that she was going to make it special for them, even if it was at the expense of their dad. A memorable Christmas was when the boys asked for bow and arrows, so what did she get Larry(?) . . . a shirt with a bullseye on it! Susie was always there to support her boys in their various activities, including being a Cub Scout Leader.

Susie worked as a secretary at Walnut Grove and after staying home to raise the boys went back to work at The Insurance Place and later Brocker Karns & Karns Insurance. In retirement, she became the librarian at the Lewis Public Library and was instrumental in getting the new one. Susie was one that kids flocked to and she loved every minute of it! She looked forward to also gathering with friends at the library . . . one day a show and tell of cute puppy photos was the topic and so is the story of her jumping in the truck with Larry to go pick out their own new puppy, Bear. 

In recent years, Susie and Larry looked forward to traveling the United States. She enjoyed her flowers and stayed active volunteering in the community and at her church. Her granddaughter, Tami will always be thankful for the impact she made her in life; a second mother, you could say, and she will always treasure the time they spent taking trips and baking cookies at Christmas.

Susie is survived by her husband of 64 years, Larry; son, Kelly (Jackie) Campbell; granddaughter, Tami (Andrew) Sachs; grandson, Derrick Campbell; brother, James Syvertsen; brother-in-law, Keith Campbell; and many extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Lela Syvertsen; parents-in-law, Max and Ruby Campbell; son, Jeffrey Lynn Campbell; sister and brothers-in-law, Joan (Gerald Houser and Boyd Robinson) Houser; and sisters-in-law, Linda Syvertsen and Carol Rogers.

Visitation, with the family present, will begin at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 25th at the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held following the visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, also at the church. Burial will be held at a later date at the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis.

The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by noon on Friday.

Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Susie's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.