Karen Sue Wagner (McGovern)
Karen Sue Wagner (McGovern)
Nashville, TN
Karen Sue Wagner (McGovern), born in Anamosa, IA on February 24, 1946, passed away on March 3, 2025, in Nashville, TN at the age of 79 surrounded by her children and family. Karen lived a life of deep compassion, dedication, and faith. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse before graduating as the Valedictorian of her class. In 1967, she earned her nursing degree from the St. Luke’s Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, IA, embarking on a remarkable 56-year career as a Registered Nurse.
Karen’s nursing journey took her through ICU, rehabilitation, and psychiatric care, where she touched countless lives with her skill, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Nursing was more than a profession to her—it was a calling. She cared for people, plants, and animals with the same gentle devotion, always seeing the needs of others and responding with love.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and lived each day with grace and purpose. In her free time, she found joy in writing poetry, reading, and tending to her beloved plants and flowers.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Bernard McGovern, and her mother, Myrtle Pillard. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer McCaleb (Michael) of Mt. Juliet, TN; her sons, Mathew Wagner and Michael Wagner, both of Lebanon, TN, her grandson, AJ Clark III of Carthage, TN, and her former husband David Wagner of Cedar Rapids, IA. She is also survived by her siblings: Judy Phyfe of Marion, IA; Kathy Hartl (Paul) of Central City, IA; Gary McGovern (Connie) of Central City, IA; Randy McGovern (Nancy) of Central City, IA; and Ronnie McGovern (Vickie) of Anamosa, IA.
Karen’s legacy of kindness, faith, and service will be forever cherished by those who knew and loved her.
We will be gathering for a Celebration of Life in Central City, IA, on Sunday, June 22. This won’t be a formal service — just a space to remember, share stories, laugh, cry, and honor the person Karen was to each of us. It’ll be a relaxed gathering of people who cared about her, coming together to reflect and celebrate her life.
Food and beverages will be provided. There will be an open opportunity to share a story or memory of Karen. Feel free to bring a photo, a memory, or anything you’d like to share.
Sunday, June 22, 2025, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Central City American Legion WAPSI Post 421
6 Central City Rd, Central City, IA 52214
Legion # 319-438-2480