Obituaries : Karen Kay (Tranberry) Duncalf

Karen Kay (Tranberry) Duncalf passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 5, 2025. Karen was known for many things, but being “Mom, Gram, and Great-Gram” was top on the list. She will be missed dearly by her family, friends, and truly all who knew her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, November12, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne, with Rev. Jacob Dunne as Celebrant.  Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, rural Keystone.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 11 also at the church in Van Horne.

Karen Tranberry was born July 17, 1940, to Robert and Maxine (Shaull) Tranberry. She was raised in Blairstown, Iowa, with her brother Jim Tranberry. Karen met the love of her life, Ronald Duncalf, and the two married on February 4, 1961. The two had four beautiful children: Nolan, Darla, Brenda, and Rodney. Karen was incredibly proud of her children and only wanted the best of the best for them.

As Karen and Ronnie raised their children, Karen became one of her “many.” In her faith with the Catholic Church, she was an organist and taught the Word of God to children at Immaculate Conception. She was a school cook, where she met many of her lifelong friends. In 1983, Karen mastered a new skill to give her eldest daughter a beautiful wedding cake. She continued to make thousands which became known as “Karen cake”.

Karen was blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren. Each grandchild could tell you how much “Gram” taught them. Not one of the grandchildren lived their life without Gram being their guide in something. She was “the best gram” grandkids could ever ask for. The title “gram” just kept getting better, and Karen was blessed with twelve great-grandchildren. All who called Karen Gram knew the love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, and grace, and will carry that through the rest of their lives.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Duncalf, her parents, Robert and Maxine Tranberry, her brother Jim (Janice) Tranberry, her son Nolan, and her daughter Darla. Karen will be forever remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her cherished friends. Karen’s legacy lives through Brenda (Scott) Barry, their kids A.J. (Kelly), and Jen (Matt). Rod (Christine) Duncalf and their children, Oceana (Anfernee), and Caleah. Son-in-law, Cory Conway and children, Dustin (Starr), Derrick (Olivia), and Caitlyn (Jacob). All of the great-grandchildren, future great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many more.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com