Karen Deutsch, 73, of Baxter passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2012 with her loving family by her side at Baxter Health Care in Baxter, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at the United Congregational Church of Christ in Baxter. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the Church with Pastor Watters officiating. Karen Kay Hinegardner Deutsch was born to Arlo and Caroline (Petermeier) Hinegardner on July 13, 1938 in Marshalltown, Iowa. She attended and graduated high school from Montour, Iowa. She married Richard Deutsch on February 19, 1956 in Montour, Iowa. They moved to Baxter where they began their lives together raising a family and working. Karen spent many years helping Rich with his custom combining business. The men enjoyed the hot meals she brought to the field. She started a 3 acre pick your own strawberry patch and also started Karen's Plant Shop, in Baxter, and ran it for 30 years. Karen was a member of the United Congregational Church of Christ, Sweet Adeline's, Baxter Girl Scout Committee, and Red Hat Ladies. Shortly after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease Karen resided at The Shores in Pleasanthill for three years, then relocating to the Baxter Care Center for the last two years. Those left to honor Karen's loving memories are her daughter, Marie (Rich) Van Beek, of Baxter; son, Brad (Sherry) Deutsch, of Rural Baxter; 5 grandchildren, Brian (Shaina) Van Beek, Paul (Crystal) Van Beek, Stephen Van Beek, Jessica Deutsch, and Daylis Deutsch all of Baxter; 3 great- grandchildren; her brother Larry (Carlene) Hingardner; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Deutsch; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her sister Donna Hinegardner. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the family in order that they may be directed to various local charities at a later date. Fredregill Family Funeral Home, in Baxter, has been entrusted with the care of Karen and her family. 641-227-2622