MARION: Karen Kay Selk VanderLinden passed away on August 6, 2026 at Brooklyn Community Estates in Brooklyn IA where she resided for the last three years so she could be close to her daughter. A private burial and celebration will take place to honor Karen.

Karen was born at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo IA to Earl and Annie Selk on May 2, 1957. She was confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Keystone on March 29, 1953 and graduated from Keystone High School in 1957.

Karen spent her early married adult years as a bookkeeper and as a homemaker on the family farm between Keystone and Dysart. She enjoyed sewing, baking, embroidery and gardening; was grateful for a circle of friends who gathered for dancing, card club and holiday picnics. Those friendships continued for the rest of her life. Also during these years, Karen and her husband had two children Kelly and Karter.

In 1973 Karen graduated from Hawkeye Institute of Technology as a Licensed Practical Nurse and in 1983 graduated as a Registered Nurse. Upon completing her degree she worked at Virginia Gay Hospital and for a period of time worked on the night shift so that she could be home with her family before and after school.

Later following a divorce she moved from the family farm to Vinton and then spent many years living in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area while working at St. Lukes Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She later remarried and for a number of years, along with nursing, was the bookkeeper for their trucking business before this marriage ended. During these years, Karen continued to enjoy her flower gardens, embroidery and baking; and engaged in new hobbies such as quilting and making wreaths. A highlight during this time was a trip to Israel with the Center Point United Methodist Church which resulted in many lasting memories. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies and Living Water Methodist Church.

Karen is survived by a daughter, Kelly Lynn Jones (Steve) of Brooklyn, IA, a son Karter Earl Corcran of Cedar Rapids, IA, a brother Dennis Delyle Selk (Val) of Marion, IA, a granddaughter Courtney Blanche Corcran Jones of Brooklyn, IA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Annie Selk.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brooklyn Community Estates for their loving care. Karen enjoyed their company and their appreciation for her sense of humor! We would also like to thank Essence of Life Hospice for their support and care during her final days.

Karen will be remembered for her love of gathering for the holidays, especially Christmas where she welcomed friends and family to her home, her independent spirit and ability to adapt to any situation, and lastly her sense of humor that she maintained to her final days.

Memorials may be directed to Brooklyn Community Estates Activities Program.