Karen “Kim” Irene Lackershire, 76, of Atlantic passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Cass Health in Atlantic, Iowa, after a very brief and unexpected illness.
Kim was born on April 1, 1949, to Lee and Betty (Johnson) McQuiston. She was the oldest of four siblings and took her big sister role seriously, always being a caretaker.
Kim attended school in Des Moines, graduating from North High School in 1967. Upon graduation, Kim went to Iowa Lutheran School of Nursing, where she obtained her LPN license.
Kim married Steve Lackershire on Dec. 13, 1969. They resided in Des Moines for many years and in the Minburn/Perry area before moving back to Des Moines.
After Steve’s death in 2014, Kim moved to Elk Horn, Iowa, to live close to her youngest daughter, Molly.
In December 2023, Kim moved to Allen Place Assisted Living in Atlantic. At Allen Place, she once again moved into the caretaker role, becoming an ambassador for the facility. She was delighted to show new residents around, provided suggestions and ideas and was in the process of getting a new crafting/sewing area set up for residents to enjoy.
Over the years, Kim was employed by nursing homes in Des Moines, Woodward and Perry. She also worked several years for Kirk Van Orsdel (KVI), when they had an office in Perry, processing medical claims. Her final employment was with the VA Hospital in Des Moines, where she provided end-of-life care on their hospice floor.
Kim enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, especially baking or sewing with them. From an early age, Kim was an avid seamstress, even making her own wedding dress. She also loved to quilt. Kim was a founding member of the Perry Piece Makers quilt group.
Once she moved to Elk Horn, Kim joined the quilting group at the church, who make quits for the less fortunate. She also enjoyed needlework and crocheting.
Kim is survived by her daughter, Molly (Terry) Robertson of Elk Horn; her son, Gene (Jen) Lackershire of Portland, Oregon; son-in-law, Randy Bennett of Waterloo; a sister, Patsy (Steve) Bailey of Boise, Idaho; brothers, Mike (Julia) McQuiston of Urbandale and Larry (Colleen) McQuiston of Van Meter; along with five grandkids; one great-grandbaby due in July; four step-grandkids; and 11 great-step-grandkids.
Kim was preceded in death by her husband, Steve; and just recently her daughter, Lisa.
A visitation for Kim will be held Saturday, June 7 from 9-11 a.m. at the McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel and Mortuary at 801 19th St. in West Des Moines. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 7 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with a graveside service to follow at noon also at McLaren’s.
