She was born July 12, 1953, in Marshalltown, IA, daughter of Robert and Bette Schultz. Karen married Richard McAlister on December 28, 1974.

She graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1971, and later graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1975. Karen spent her career as Head Teacher and the Director of Cedar Valley Preschool and Child Care Center and as a Preschool Teacher for Cedar Falls Public Schools. Karen impacted the early education of hundreds of children that she was privileged to help educate. She retired from teaching in 2015.

Karen’s greatest joys were spending time with her husband, her sons and daughters-in-law, and her grandchildren. She was passionate about the Iowa State Cyclones and the Chicago Cubs, and loved to spend time at their cabin on the Mississippi River.

Karen is survived by her husband of 48 years, Richard McAlister; two sons, Benjamin (Kelly) McAlister, of Johnston, IA and Mitchell (Megan) McAlister, of Cedar Falls, IA; four grandchildren: Katheryn, Samuel, Connor and Riley; her brother, Douglas Schultz, of Marshalltown, IA and sister, Leanne Clemenson, of Polk City, IA.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gregg Schultz.

A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 17, 2022, at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls. Visitation will be 3:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday at Richardson Funeral Service.

Memorials may be directed to the North Cedar Elementary School Library in Cedar Falls.

Online condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.