Kenneth Russell Karr, son of Kenneth Scarborough Karr & Gere Dell (Sale) Karr, was born in Washington D.C. on October 11, 1946. “Russ” and his family moved to Council Bluffs, IA in 1960 for his father’s life long career with Union Pacific. He and his five younger siblings made many rambunctious memories on Franklin Ave. He received the honor of Eagle Scout in 1962 & graduated High School in 1964. He served our country by enlisting in the army reserves in 1968, he was discharged in 1974. After attending Iowa State University and the University of Omaha, he began his love for the “deal” in the car business. He was the manager of Rasmussen Buick for 6 years in Council Bluffs. During this timeframe (1968) he married Linda McIntosh, from this union came his daughter Krissa. They later divorced. Ken moved his young family to Sheldon, IA in 1973 to open Ken Karr Ford
Mercury. The ‘Best Karr deal in NW Iowa’ was his passion for many years, only taking a break for a round of golf, relax at Okoboji or enjoy his favorite steak.
He met Debbie (Martin) Hooyer when she was in Sheldon for her class reunion, and after many trips to Springfield, MO to visit her, they married on Nov. 26, 1994. Ken retired from his business in 1998. The couple enjoyed their friends & family in Sheldon until 2002. They finally escaped back to Springfield, MO, avoiding as much winter as possible! A few car deals were still made in MO, but mostly Ken & Debbie enjoyed their quiet life together… with him perfecting a grilled Ribeye late in the evening.
Ken passed away on Monday, April 28th in Springfield, MO reaching the age of 78. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Debbie Karr & his daughter Krissa & Kory Jacobsma of Sheldon, IA. Their children Brandon Frick, Macy & Frank Reinders, and Dawson & Caitlin Jacobsma. Debbie’s children Clint & Jamie Hooyer, and Kim & Don Hunsaker; their children Halle, Hope, & Harlee. Ken’s siblings Nancy & Doug Rolan, Roger & Sharon Karr, Gilbert & Patti Karr, and Ruth & Lynn Fountain. Debbie’s siblings Judy Kuiper, Connie & Jerry Pauley, Greg & Debby Martin; along with numerous nieces & nephews across the country.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Kenneth S. and Gere Dell Karr, and his youngest sister Teg Barrett.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 from 1-2 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home with graveside service to follow in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
