Kara Dionn Pudenz

Kara Dionn Pudenz, age 42, of Burt, Iowa died Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Kossuth Regional Medical Center in Algona, Iowa. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Burt, Iowa. Burial will follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in rural Palmer, Iowa. Visitation will take place one hour prior the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Kara Dionn Pudenz was born March 2, 1974 in Storm Lake, Iowa, the daughter of Dale and Kathy (Juilfs) Pudenz. In 1974, Kara was baptized at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Varina, Iowa. More recently, Kara enjoyed the Religious Nurture programs sponsored by the Burt Presbyterian Church and area volunteers. Kara lived with her family on their farm in rural Ringsted from 1977 until May, 1984, when she became a resident of Shepherd’s Cottage, Exceptional Opportunities in Burt, Iowa. This is an intermediate care facility for those with intellectual disabilities. She loved going home to visit her Mom in Ringsted almost every weekend. Kara’s most treasured belonging was her Bible. She also found great joy in music. Her favorite songs were “The Little Drummer Boy” and the “Lord’s Prayer”. Kara was also a fan of the tuba and trumpet; polka, jazz, and big band tunes always lifted her spirits. Drawing and watching others draw where amongst her most favorite pastimes. Puppetry was another of her favorite things to do. Her other hobbies included cooking and helping in the kitchen. Kara has shown us that no diagnosis could limit her capacities of love for God, her family, and for others who were privileged to be a part of her life. She trusted with her whole heart and accepted whatever life dealt. Her strengths far outweighed any perceived weaknesses. Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Kathy Pudenz of Ringsted, Iowa; father, Dale Pudenz of Emmetsburg, Iowa; brother, Tim Pudenz of Emmetsburg, Iowa; aunts and uncles: Beverly and Tony Tiedeman of Fonda, Iowa; Kristi and Brian Larsen of Fonda, Iowa; Dave and Kim Juilfs of Fonda, Iowa; Denny and Shelly Juilfs of Fonda, Iowa; Dan Tastad of Fonda, Iowa; Dennis Brehm of West Des Moines, Iowa; Terry and Nancy Pudenz of Plymouth, Minnesota; many cousins; extended family and friends. Kara is preceded in death by her grandparents: Chris and Helen Juilfs, Othmar and Frances Pudenz; and aunts: Elaine (Juilfs) Tastad and Mary Jean (Pudenz) Brehm.

Kara Dionn Pudenz

March 2, 1974 - May 19, 2016