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The Life of KAREN KAY FRAKES

Karen Kay Frakes, 75, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Karen was born October 21, 1941 in Des Moines, Iowa to Ralph and Clara (Fagan) Elings. She was a resident of the Des Moines area for most of her life. In addition to being a homemaker for her own family, Karen also worked out of her home as a self-employed day care provider for many years. She enjoyed being at home and taking care of her family and the children she watched. Karen liked watching television, especially NASCAR, game shows, and Survivor. She also enjoyed playing games on her computer and video games. A favorite treat was eating Chinese food and “real pizza” at restaurants. If you ever asked Karen if she needed anything, she would say, “A million dollars.”

She is survived by her daughters, Marsha (Floyd) Marzolf and Jody (Jeff) Latwesen; her best friend, Chris Wenzel; grandchildren, Steven (Maria) Marzolf, Michael (April) Marzolf, Olivea Marzolf, Larissa (Zach) Johnson, Ryan (Danielle) Latwesen, and Lindsey (Al Ruehlow) Latwesen; great-grandchildren, Layla, Addisyn, Ryker, Gracie, Melanie, and Tucker; sister, Marilyn Daniels; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Ronald Frakes and her parents, Ralph and Clara Elings.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines on Thursday, December 8, 2016. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., with funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Urn burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Karen.

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