Dan and family,

I'm so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your sister. She sounds like an amazing lady and quite a character! May your memories keep her alive!!

Melissa (Boerner) Adrian

To Dan,Bill and all of the Chia's

I offer my sincerest sympathy for the loss

of your loved one.

When you say something like "there was no one like Karen" -- absolutely truer words were never spoken. Literally, there is not another person like Karen Ciha on earth (or quite possibly in heaven). She was the light and the spice of Casey's, always making me smile on the toughest days, with her wry -- yet always good-natured -- sense of humor. To say she will be missed is the biggest understatement. So, too, is to say that she will always be remembered with the greatest of fondness. The incomparable sparkle in her eye was such a gift to everyone fortunate enough to know her! We should all hope to have Karen's gift of bringing joy & laughter to others with such natural ease and charm. Rest in peace in the loving arms of Jesus, knowing that all of us left to remember you are doing so with hearts full of appreciation and gladness. "You take care" and we'll all see you again someday, Karen. My most heartfelt sympathy to your family.

Dan and family, my sincerest sympathies to you all. I didn't know Karen, but sure sounds like I missed out on a great person! Hugs to all, Cindy Downes

From your favorite Mailman...you will be missed. Fly high beautiful Karen, to be continue..God bless you!!!

Dan and Adam, we did not know your sister/aunt but she sounds like a very special spark to many people. We are so sorry for your loss and happy she did not suffer! Draw from your cherished memories to comfort you. Take care of yourselves!

I worked with Karen a few times over my nursing career and what a perfect description of her in the obituary! She was blunt, wise and fun! I’m very sorry for your loss!

Karen's obituary is beautifully written and sheds light on the person she was, especially for those of us that only knew her as "Casey's Karen". She was refreshing, hilarious, and anytime we brought our kids into Casey's for a donut, you better believe she instructed the kids to thank us. She was a character, and we were lucky to have crossed paths! May she rest in peace!

Dan and family,

Karen was a much loved and appreciated supporter of Iowa City Hospice. My thoughts are with you on the loss of this wonderful woman. Maggie Elliott

Dan & family, so sorry to hear about your sister's passage. She sounded like a remarkable lady. May she rest in peace, and you all find peace in her loving memory.

Joan & Dick Hakes

The world is a little darker without her light....and maybe a little quieter. I worked with Karen at a few nursing facilities. She left quite the impression as I'm sure she did with everyone she met. My thoughts are with the Ciha family. RIP Karen!

Dan Ciha and family, So so sorry for your loss, may you all find peace and comfort during this time. Hugs and prayers. Roberta Kost

Dan and family,

So sorry to hear about your beloved sister. It sounds like she was quite a force of nature. I am glad that she went peacefully but i am sure it was still a shock to your family. I am sure you have many memories that will keep her memory alive.

Take care and hugs,

Cheryl & John Hoard

Neighbor hood watch took on a whole new meaning when Karen moved in across the street. Always smiling and had a story to tell. My heart breaks for all who know and loved her. RIP “sister”. until we meet again.

Karen was THE BEST neighbor on Sovers St. The first person I met when moving to Solon as a newly divorced mom of two. At first, she scared the crap out of me with her booming voice! We fast learned she was a wonderful friend, advocate and ever so full of life! She spoke of her family often and loved nursing! My girls and I are saddened to hear of her passing, but feeling ever so lucky to have shared many wonderful conversations with her. Hi Neighbor!! Til we meet again.

I have been in town a couple years and live just around the corner from Casey's. She definitely was a character but also willing to do whatever was needed. RIP Karen

Oh Karen! You are just the way I remembered you. Always friendly and smiling. It doesn’t surprise me that you spent most of your life caring for others. Well done, my friend. My sympathy goes out to all her brothers and families.

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Karen. She was our unique classmate as we attended school from elementary to high school graduation. She never missed a beat, was full of energy and had a zest for life. We will miss her at our next reunion. Sure she is up above with great rewards as her life on earth she was a giver. RIP Karen.

Jim & Jan Callahan Barnes

Over the past couple of years I’d wake up on Saturday mornings and ask my daughter if she’d like pancakes or Casey’s donuts? I make really good pancakes, but the answer was always Casey’s donuts… because we’d get to see/hear/watch Karen. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like Karen before. She was incredibly funny and kind. If you gave her any guff, you would receive guff back (instantly). We would always leave the store thoroughly entertained and smiling. She really was one of a kind. Rest in Peace Karen.

Tom Hagerty

Karen and I worked several elections together in the 80s. She made me a better chair. Thank you, Karen! TO her families, my deepest sympathies and my sincerest admiration.

So very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing, our deepest sympathy to you Dan and all of the family.

Dan and family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your sister, Karen. We did not have the opportunity to meet her but it sounds like she was one in a million. Please accept our deepest condolences. Thinking of you all. Colleen and Richard Madden

Dan and all the Ciha family sorry for your loss. You will all be in our prayers. Keep all the beautiful memories in your hearts forever. God Bless you all.

My deepest sympathy to the Ciha family. What an amazing and memorable person Karen was.

I got to know Karen as she was a member of our RAGBRAI team, driving support. I’ll never forget about one of the nights we had not arranged a place to stay, but when we got there, she had everything taken care of for “her riders”. When we asked how she got accommodations at such short notice, she answered “I just drove into the main intersection downtown and told law enforcement I’d move as soon as someone offered is a place to stay!”

Again, what an amazing person! I know she’ll be missed.

Dan & Family,

I send my deepest sympathy to you all at Karen's passing. We knew her from being head nurse at Solon Care Center and she helped our family. During some difficult situations. She was always friendly and knew what was going on with our family member. May she rest in peace and leave you with many smiles.

Dawn Eckrich

So very sorry to read of your sister's passing, Dan. In reading the obituary, it is evident that it is our loss for those of us who didn't know her. Another Ciha graduated from West High so I am sure Dale had the privilege of knowing her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Betty

Karen was a remarkably genuine person; what you saw, is what you got!! This human trait is getting harder to find these days and credit Karen for staying true to her principals and beliefs. How ironic that it was a cardiac event that took her life when it was a BIG HEART that defined her.

Such a FUN/ OUTGOI NG/TAKE CHARGE person! I met Karen MANY years ago in Coralville of course. I liked her from Day 1. I would say it was her 'style' to have left in a hurry... Damn. M\Y condolences to the FAMILY and FRIENDS of KAREN. You always knew where you stood!

SHE is on sher way to Heaven.

Rex Brandstatter

Coralville

What can I say that dozens of people haven't already said about this fine woman!! I first meet Karen at Iowa City Rehab while she was taking care of Bob's sister, right away you heard her infectious laugh and saw that wonderful smile!! She was definitely a people person. Then I saw her working at Casey's and I would walk in and she would say "How you doing girl." She will truly be missed and Casey's won't be the same ever again. My sympathy and prayers are with you all. HUGS!

Dan, Megan, and Ciha family. I'm sorry for your loss, and sending prayers and sympathy. It sounds like you were very lucky to have such a family member!!

I remember her coming into Keystone Place with such energy and joy!!! I am so sorry for this loss for the Ciha family!! God Bless!

Ciha Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of Karen's passing.

This was so well written and describes her to a T!

She was so wonderful and caring and I just have so many wonderful memories of her and with her.

Sending you peaceful thoughts and big tight hugs.

Tuesday was my birthday. We had a family meeting and I was trying to be patient as I wanted to go to Casey's. I wanted to go to Casey's to see Karen. For the last six years, I have made a trip to Casey's on my birthday and Karen always made it memorable. She would say "hey ya sister" I would casually say "it's my birthday" and she would announce it to the whole building. She would make sure everyone told me Happy Birthday.

The tail end of that family meeting I found out of Karen's death.

This is the most beautiful and spot on obituary I have ever read (and I read alot).

Solon has lost a beautiful soul...

Love ya lots sister, you are missed greatly!

This is so beautifully written, you captured her personality perfectly. She was just a hoot. Everyone looked forward to seeing Casey's Karen. She will be missed so very much. Sending Big Hugs to all of her friends, family and co workers.

What a wonderful life! The Ciha family and the thousands of others Karen touched have lost a shining light and a REAL SPARK PLUG! Karen set a high bar when it came to loving and caring for others, she will be missed and remembered.

Craig and Nancy

Sisters are special people! Sorry for your loss, Dan. Thinking of you and the Ciha family.

Dan and Ciha family, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Karen was iconic and loved by all.

Was shocked to hear of Karen's passing. She was a childhood friend and classmate. My condolences go out to Dan and Bill and the rest of the family. She will be missed.

Karen was such a bright light! You don’t always realize the impact someone makes on you and your kiddos until you don’t see them anymore! We always looked forward to seeing her during our frequent Casey’s visits! She brought so much joy and laughter in the shortest conversations! You will be deeply missed, Karen! We were so sad to hear this news!

Karen was a pillar of the community. Her selflessness and caring personality was unmatched. She always bragged about her love for ipa’s and hometown sports teams, but her true joy was the people of Solon IA!!! She always spoke of her joy to hear the football games from her backyard! She also loved her volunteer work and made that priority after a long days work at Casey’s I only had the pleasure of knowing her for nine months but she gave me new perspective and honestly changed my life. Without a doubt she was is and always will be loved and remembered and her spirit will live on in my family and the thousands of families she helped and supported! Rest easy my friend we love you!!

We never know the impact a stranger can make on us In the present. We don’t even acknowledge that it is a possibility. Then later on after a moment goes by in our busy lives we sit back, and say to ourselves “you know what, that person was really cool”. That’s what Karen was, a breath of fresh air, a break from the boring daily transaction of passing money along for a product with no emotional value. People appreciate a thank you after spending hard earned money and Karen gave that with a little bit of bs every time. RIP Karen and God bless!

I was so saddened to hear the news of her passing. Karen was a joy and such a HOOT!!! I loved her humor and how kind and gracious she was with two of my kids that worked at Casey's. She even vacationed with one of them. She was so protective of her favorite -Bubba. She will be greatly missed. She was CASEY'S!

Karen was truly one of a kind! We loved every time we'd be greeted by her walking into Caseys! She could be so frank and yet so hilarious all in the same conversation. She loved her job and loved her Hawks! She will be so so missed by this community. Sending the family thoughts and prayers during this time.