Karen McCord

Karen Elizabeth McCord was born on November 11, 1957, in Denison, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Dorothy (Naab) Gries. She was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ute and later confirmed her faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. Karen received her education through the Charter Oak-Ute School District and graduated with the Class of 1976. Following high school, she attended Jennie Edmundson Nursing School as well as Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs.

Karen began her career as a secretary at Creighton. She later worked in sales at KDSN and Denison Job Corps as a residential advisor. In her free time, Karen enjoyed cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. She treasured her role as an aunt and great-aunt to her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She also enjoyed watching Jeopardy! and was often quick to know the correct answers.

Karen passed away at her home in Denison on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the age of 68 years, six months, and 28 days. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Charlene Gries.

Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Mark (Melody) Gries of Myerstown, Pennsylvania, and Kris (Gordon) Fliehe of Logan; her nieces and nephews, Emily (Rian) Merrigan, Audrey (Jamie) Dean, Dr. Casey Gries (Dr. Tara Norgren), and Christy (Austin) Holgard; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.