Karen Lee Brewer, age 75, of Emerson, Iowa, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022, at her home. Karen was born December 11, 1946, in Macedonia, Iowa, the daughter of Michael J. and Lois M. (Bishop) Herbert. She was joined by sister, Kathleen Lois in February 1948 and brother, Kenneth Lewis in 1949. The family moved from Macedonia to Emerson in the mid 1950's, where Karen attended Emerson and Nishna Valley schools. She graduated from Nishna Valley High School in 1965. Her son, James Lyn Skalberg was born September 16, 1965, the first grandchild and the star of the family until his cousins came along. Karen was united in marriage to Ted Alan Brewer on August 14, 1974. Ted was her husband and best friend for 38 years, 5 months, and 5 days, until his death on January 19, 2012. Karen loved being with family and friends, cooking, dancing, mystery novels, cookbooks, and recipes. She and Ted enjoyed going to tractor pulls, watching NASCAR, and tailgating Nebraska football. She lived and worked most of her life in the Emerson area. She and Ted built T & K Diesel Repair, literally, from the ground up. Ted ran the business for 30 plus years while Karen worked other jobs.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband: Ted Brewer; grandson: James Lyn Skalberg, Jr. in 2012; sister: Kathleen Chatterton and her husband Gene; mother-in-law and father-in law: Linda and Harlan Brewer, favorite aunt: Wanda; and cousin: Shirley. Survivors include her son: James Lyn Skalberg, Sr. and wife Kelli; granddaughter: Spring Grieder and husband Michael; great grandson:  Carter James Skalberg; brother: Ken Herbert and wife Cheryl; sisters-in-law: Bonnie Brewer and husband Jeff and Judy Schlosser and husband Joe; daughter of the heart: Leslie Heflin; and her beloved pets: Lulu and Maddie; many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Wednesday, December 14, 2012, at Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak. Burial will be in the Emerson Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.