Karen L. Westerdale, 86, of Victor, IA, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at Brooklyn Community Estates in Brooklyn, Iowa.

A private family funeral service will be held with interment at Victor Memorial Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions may be designated to St. James Lutheran Church or Safe Haven of Iowa County Animal Shelter. Memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347.

Karen was born on March 30, 1940, in rural Iowa County, Iowa, to Arthur G. and Edna E. (Wiedemeir) Cheney. Karen graduated from Ladora High School. She was married to Merle Coufal and together they had 4 children, Brian, Melodie, Todd, and Robin. They were later divorced.

Karen attended beautician school following high school. This was a job she enjoyed for several years. Karen began her career as a truck driver in the late 70’s. She was employed as a dump truck driver during the construction of Interstate 380 in Cedar Rapids. It was at this job that she met the love of her life, Bill Westerdale. The couple married on March 30, 1979, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Marion, Iowa. They had one child, Dustin. Together they built a life centered on family and hard work, raising their family and eventually moving to Victor, Iowa, in 1984. Karen and Bill enjoyed their time together, driving as a team, over the road, establishing Westerdale Trucking. Karen came off the road and balanced her time with her role as a devoted homemaker, caring for her family, managing the company’s books, and working several part time jobs. In her later years, she rejoined Bill to drive over the road.

Throughout her life, Karen was known for her hardworking nature and strength. She was also a profoundly loving individual whose focus on faith and family provided a foundation for those around her. She was a devoted member of St. James Lutheran Church in Victor, IA. She loved her church and her church family, and her faith grew with each passing day.

Karen’s talents extended beyond her professional life. She was a gifted cook and baker, she was especially delighted in creating desserts, many of which featured cherished family recipes passed down from her mother. She found great joy in cooking and baking for others and was proud of the joy it brought. She found peace in the outdoors watching birds, and she cared tenderly for the cats she loved over the years.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Bill Westerdale; her children Todd (Jeri) Coufal, Robin (Jack) Ulicki, and Dustin (Mandy) Westerdale. By her cherished grandchildren Jacob Ulicki, Chloe Ulicki, Garrett Westerdale, Mason Westerdale, and Trace Westerdale. Her step grandchildren Melinda Chandler and April Keegan, step great-grandchildren Mason, Olivia, Sophia, and Alexis Chandler; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Edna Cheney; her children Brian Merle Coufal, Melodie Jo Coufal, stepson Eric Westerdale, and stepdaughter Myriam Westerdale; and her siblings Larry Cheney and Earlene Jahlas.