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It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of Karen Fontelle Benna of Lakeside. A remarkable wife, mother, nana and great-nana, who left this world peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on March 22, 2025.
Private family services will be held. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of arrangements.
Karen was the cornerstone of her family, a beacon of unwavering love, boundless kindness and quiet strength. Born June 9, 1944, in Des Moines, Karen spent 80 years of her life cultivating warmth and joy, nurturing everyone lucky enough to know her. Karen was adopted by Roland and Doris Soderquist of Albert City, and lived there for a couple of years before her father became ill and they moved to California to be closer to her grandparents. At age 15, she moved back to Albert City where she met the love of her life, Darryl Benna, whom she married on Sept. 8, 1961, and they brought four beautiful children into this world. She spent most of her life in Albert City, raising her family and helping on the farm, while later in life going to college and becoming a nurse, stretching her love and compassion by devoting herself to the elderly in the nursing home. They retired to Lakeside in 2014, where Karen continued to spread her kindness by volunteering at SOS for eight years.
Karen’s love knew no bounds. She was devoted to her family, enriching countless lives with her wisdom, humor and unyielding support. Her home was a sanctuary filled with the aroma of homemade meals, laughter and cherished moments — a place where every visitor left feeling like family.
A lover of animals, Karen found peace in her cats, dogs (especially her dachshunds), farm animals and wildlife. She found life and beauty in every living thing. Her passion for collecting things from Mickey Mouse to antiques was contagious, inspiring those around her to explore and appreciate the world’s treasures. She listened to the Beach Boys whenever she had the chance and maybe would sneak in some Prince every now and then. Branson was a favorite vacation spot. She also took great pride and pleasure watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at anything they were participating in. She was their biggest fan! All these joys were shared with her best friend and husband of 63 years, Darryl. Their marriage was the model for their children and anyone who knew them. They were best friends for life and such a great example.
Above all, Karen cherished her family, and they were her greatest source of pride and joy. She leaves behind her husband Darryl; daughter Kim Masters (Mike), son Jeff Benna (Tammy), son Stacy Benna (Jenny), daughter Jill Benna; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, each carrying the indelible imprint of her love and lessons.
Karen was preceded in death by her father Roland Soderquist, mother Doris Soderquist, brother Donn Soderquist, father-in-law Vern Benna and mother-in-law Lois Benna.
Though our hearts ache with her absence, we find peace in the legacy Karen leaves behind… a legacy of love, resilience and memories that will be cherished for generations.
Karen Fontelle Benna — wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — may your soul rest in eternal peace. You will forever live in our hearts, carried forward in the love you so generously shared. Gone from our sight, but always in our hearts.
