Karen Cunningham

December 20, 1943 - August 23, 2020

Karen Cunningham Jefferson, Iowa Date of Death: August 23, 2020 Karen Ruth Wisecarver Cunningham, daughter of Harold and Elsie Schultz Wisecarver, was born December 20, 1943 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Karen died at the Greene County Medical Center Long Term Care Center in Jefferson, Iowa on August 23, 2020 at the age of 76 years. Karen lived in Pennsylvania until she turned ten when the family moved to Fairfield, Iowa. She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1963. On February 8, 1964, she married Brian Elerick. They were the parents of two children: Beth Ann and Debra Renee. Karen worked as a Telephone Operator with the Fairfield Telephone Company. She was later united in marriage to Eldon Cunningham. They were the parents of a son, Michael Anthony. They lived in Jefferson, Iowa where she worked as a telephone operator for the Jefferson Telephone Company. She later became a Certified Nurses Assistant and in 1984 began working at the Jefferson Manor. She worked for ten years in the Alzheimer's Unit until retiring due to her health in 2005. Karen enjoyed Ballroom dancing, jazz music and poetry, and had published three poetry books. She also enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing and gardening. She was a member of the DOES, and four Bridge Clubs. Karen is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Peggy Scott; brother, Harold Wisecarver; and special friend, Donald Skalla. She is survived by her children: Beth Elerick of Jefferson, IA, Debra (Shane) Monthei of Jefferson, IA, and Michael (Jeri) Cunningham of Jefferson, IA; 9 grandchildren: Kyle Titmus, Gabriella Varricchio, Lauren Varricchio, Alexandria Varricchio, Jonathan Varricchio, Anthony Cunningham, Bailey Cunningham, Chanlyn Cunningham, and Maddox Cunningham; her sisters: Valerie Bussey, and Renee Zimmerman; Sister-in-law: Carol Wisecarver; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends. A Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. A private family burial will take place at a later date in the Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to Unity Point Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerschroeder.com. Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home 515-386-2171