Karen was born on February 7, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa to Marvin and Clarice Nelson Henry. She was raised in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School. She received a nursing degree from the Iowa Lutheran School of Nursing. On November 14, 1969, she was married to Robert Choate in Des Moines. The couple lived in Des Moines and Davenport before moving to Grinnell in 1973. While living in Grinnell she worked as a nurse at Friendship Manor, St. Francis Manor and the Mayflower Health Center. She also taught continuing education classes for nurses. Karen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and she enjoyed playing bridge and needle work. Survivors include her two daughters, Laura Choate of Fairview Heights, Illinois and Connie Choate of Deep River; one brother, Carl Henry of Des Moines; and two sisters, Marilyn Vicker and Virginia Mickelson, both of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one brother, Marvin Henry Jr.; and one sister, Carmen Brackett. Memorials may be directed to Grinnell Regional Hospice.