Karen May Caulkins

Karen Hunter Heaberlin Caulkins was born August 17, 1942 at 9:30 am at Dr. EP Bell’s hospital in Pleasantville, Iowa. Paul and Fayleta (McCoy) Hunter brought her home to the house that they built on Douglas Street in Pleasantville. Karen lived in Pleasantville nearly her whole life, graduating with the class of 1960. While in school, Karen played basketball, was the drum majorette, participated in glee club and mixed chorus, softball, and cheerleader. She participated in the state speech competition in Dubuque and earned a II rating. She was voted the most athletic girl in her class.

Karen played on the very first softball team from PHS. During the first game ever played, she batted clean up and hit a grand slam home run, earning her the nickname of Slugger. After graduation, Karen was united in marriage with Larry Heaberlin. They made their home on the family farm south of Pleasantville. To this union, they welcomed three daughters, Rhonda Kaye, Susan Diane, and Beth Ann. Larry and Karen enjoyed square dancing, going to the races in Knoxville, camping, fishing, and attending school activities for their children and grandchildren.

Karen was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest was in school. At that time, she began working at Sparks Radio in Pleasantville. She later worked for various newspapers including the Marion County News, the Knoxville Journal Express and the Council Bluffs Nonpareil. After all the children were out of school, Karen went to truck driving school and joined Larry over the road. They saw lots of interesting things during their travels. Larry’s heart issues forced them to quit driving over the road. Karen started working at American Abstract, retiring in 2012.

After Larry and Karen retired, they continued to work doing things they enjoyed. They had a large garden and sold produce at the farmer’s market. Karen also baked pies and bread to sell as well. They went to flea markets and ran the concession stand at VanDonsler’s Auctions. In 2016, they had the pleasure of caring for their youngest granddaughter, Zayla.

In 2018, Larry and Karen moved to Macedonia, Iowa to continue caring for Zayla. They enjoyed the farmers market and made some wonderful new friends. Larry passed away in 2020 after a long battle with heart disease. Karen later married Wendell Caulkins, the best man at her wedding with Larry. Karen and Wendell enjoyed raising sheep, watching basketball and attending church.

In early 2025, Karen moved in with her daughter Beth. She was able to enjoy visits with her family and received the care that she needed.

Karen left this world to be with her Lord and Savior on May 4, 2025. Karen said she can only imagine. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Hunter, Fayleta Hunter-Fisher and stepfather David Fisher; her husband, Larry; brother Michael Hunter; grandchildren David Alan Scovel, Jeremy Tyler Achenbach, and Stacy Lynn Scovel. Left to mourn her are her husband, Wendell Caulkins; children, Rhonda Heaberlin, Susan Heaberlin, and Beth (Jeff) Wall; step-children, Todd Caulkins, Terri (Steve) Boggess, and Nicole (Joe) Sample; grandchildren, Denise Scovel, Jessica Hofer, Michael Achenbach, and Zayla Love; Step grandchildren, Abigail and Amelia Boggess, Noah, Brailin and Eva Sample; Alisa Smith; great-grandchildren, Riley & Hailey Stelly; Adriene and Alisa Scovel; Brooklynn, Carlee and Emilie Audas; Elijah Sleeth; Tyler, Everleigh and Teresa Achenbach; siblings Richard Hunter, Gary Fisher and Barbara (Gary) Marchant; and many other family and friends.

Memorials can be sent to Hope Lutheran Church at 3857 E 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50317.

Karen died from complications of NASH, a liver disease which starts as a fatty liver and turns into cirrhosis. She wants to stress that anyone who is informed that they have a fatty liver should take curative measures before it is too late.