It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Louise Fontanini Wittenbeck, 83, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at the Lifepath Hospice in Sun City Florida.

Karen was born on July 30, 1942, in Ankeny, Iowa to late Blasco "Blaze" and Harriet Fontanini. Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Harold John Wittenbeck, and her brother Robert Fontanini (Paula).

Karen is survived and missed by sisters Virginia Gilbert (Ronald deceased) of Ocala, FL and Barbara Breen ( Patrick) of Venice, FL, her brother Steven Fontanini (Melinda) of Ankeny, IA, her son, Ronald (Tammy) Wittenbeck of Pinellas Park, FL and daughters, Lynne (Ron) Maggard of Wesley Chapel FL and Penney (Doug) Waters of Palmetto, FL, grandchildren Karen Spirtos Sosa, Brooke Waters, Emily Wittenbeck, Kevin Maggard, and Taylor Maggard and nine great grandchildren who all cherish her memory.

Throughout Karen's life, she was always an animal lover, especially her most recent animals, mini pinscher Zena and yellow lab Gracie, and horses Katie and Charlie. Prior to retiring, she owned/managed Flying W Ranch and Tara Acres Boarding Stable for many years and loved giving English riding lessons to her student equestrians.