Karen Ann Brewer

Karen (Johnston) Brewer, 68, of Altoona, Iowa, passed away on September 8, 2026.

Karen was born on August 22, 1958, in Mason City, Iowa, to William Diehl and Delores (Loomis) Johnston. Following the death of her biological father when Karen was an infant, she was raised by her mother and Robert "Bob" Johnston, whom she knew as her father.

Karen spent her childhood in Des Moines, Johnston, and Altoona, Iowa. She graduated from Southeast Polk High School and continued her education at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Karen later became an Emergency Medical Technician and dedicated 14 years to working as an EMT, caring for and serving others in her community.

Karen met and married Alan Brewer, and they made their home in Atlantic, Iowa, where they raised their three children, Lisa, Sara, and Jesse. Karen later returned to Altoona, Iowa, where she made her home.

Karen was known for her caring nature, sense of humor, strong will, and outspoken personality. She was always willing to lend a helping hand or simply be there for someone who needed to talk. Above all, Karen treasured her family and especially cherished her role as a grandmother. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, taking them to the lake and creek, and enjoying Wednesday outings to the park with them. These simple times together created many treasured memories.

Genealogy was one of Karen's greatest interests. She spent countless hours researching her family history and enjoyed sharing the stories she discovered about her parents, grandparents, and generations past. Karen was also creative and enjoyed a variety of crafts, particularly woodworking and painting.

Karen also enjoyed gardening and caring for her many plants.

Family gatherings held a special place in Karen's heart, and her potato salad, prepared the same familiar way for every gathering, became a family tradition.

Karen will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt whose family was at the center of her life.

Karen is survived by her parents, Robert "Bob" Johnston and Delores (Loomis) Johnston; her children, Lisa Davis and her partner, Brady Walpole; Sara (Chris) Gasper; and Jesse (Amanda) Brewer; her grandchildren, Rebecca Davis, Alexis Davis, Eric Gasper, Joseph Brewer, and Zoe Brewer; her siblings, Cathy Churchill, Mike Johnston, Barb Bass, Tom (Paula) Johnston, and Nancy (Tim) Hopper; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by biological father, William Diehl; maternal grandparents, Cecil Loomis and Leora (Hays) Loomis; biological paternal grandparents, Perry Diehl and Mary Ann (McNair) Diehl; paternal grandparents, Morris Johnston and Velma (Weist) Johnston; niece, Melissa Johnston; brother-in-law, Ben Bass; sister-in-law, Cathy (Thayer) Johnston; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Karen will be laid to rest at New Altoona Cemetery in Altoona, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.