10/10/2026
Trooper Yaneff has always been great to work with! We will miss working with you, but congratulations on your retirement!
Please join the Iowa State Patrol and Department of Public Safety in extending our appreciation to
Senior Trooper Karen Yaneff, who is retiring on Friday, October 9, 2026, after 25 years of service!
Trooper Yaneff grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, graduated from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School and
continued her education at Briar Cliff University. In 2001, she accepted a position with the Iowa
Department of Public Safety and was assigned to District #16 with the Iowa State Patrol. Trooper
Yaneff was promoted to Trooper II, assigned to Woodbury County in District #5 – Cherokee in 2006,
returning to her roots.
Trooper Yaneff has served in numerous leadership positions within the Iowa State Patrol, including Drug Recognition Expert Instructor, OWI and SFT Instructor, ARIDE Instructor,
Motor Vehicle Law Instructor, and Field Training Officer. Additionally, she was an active member of
the Iowa State Patrol Honor Guard, Crisis Negotiator Team, RAGBRAI Alcohol Enforcement Team,
and served as the District #5 Public Resource Officer.
Trooper Yaneff is a highly respected Trooper within the Iowa State Patrol, all law enforcement
agencies, and her community. She routinely goes above and beyond what is expected of her and
takes great pride in the work she completes. On March 11, 2018, Trooper Yaneff was recognized as
the Officer of the Year by the Iowa Association of Women Police. She was nominated due to her
outstanding work in the area of impaired driving enforcement, her volunteer work in the community,
and her devoted care to her family.
Trooper Yaneff exemplifies the core values of Courtesy, Service, and Protection and wore the Iowa State Patrol uniform with tremendous pride. Congratulations, Trooper Yaneff and best wishes on your retirement!
