Karen Kay Schulze

Karen Kay Meling Schulze passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Arlington Place in Grundy Center, Iowa. Karen will be cremated and laid to rest with her husband, Wayne, an Army veteran, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Karen was the second child born to Gladys and Marion Meling on August 16, 1941, in Gilman, Iowa. She graduated from Gilman High School. Karen was born in a town of fewer than 500 people, but upon graduation, she was drawn to the big city and lived in many of them throughout her life. She loved the excitement and opportunities they offered.

She met the love of her life, Wayne Schulze, while living and working in Houston, Texas. They were married in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 6, 1994. After retirement, Karen and Wayne moved to Georgetown, Texas, to a retirement community that offered many amenities. They quickly made friends and loved attending events and entertaining. They also traveled frequently.

Wayne passed away on October 17, 2024, and Karen then moved back to Iowa so she could be closer to her siblings.

Left to cherish her memory are her brothers, Sam (Karen) Meling and Jerry (Linda) Meling; her sisters, Kris (Darwin) Lynch and Melinda (Jack) Leslie; along with many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Wayne.