Karen L. Welsch

Karen L. Welsch, age 64, of Kearney, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 4, 2021 at her home, after a lengthy battle with cancer, with her family and friends by her side. Karen’s wishes were for cremation. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 2 pm at her nephew’s farm at 2174 28 Road, Kearney, NE. Memorials are suggested to the family, to be designated later. Karen was born on September 20, 1956 in Oxford, NE to Robert E. and Marian M. (Irelan) Welsch. She attended Oxford High School and graduated with the class of 1974. She then attended St. Francis School of Nursing where she earned a degree as a Registered Nurse, graduating in 1977. Karen then began her career at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and retired in 2015 after 38 years of faithful service of caring for others. Words her patients and coworkers used to describe her are leader, mentor, compassionate, calm, she loved to laugh and have a little fun at work. Karen was very humble and shared in her last weeks that she did not realize how many people she had influenced and inspired. Karen often shared of the many wonderful memories that she had growing up in Oxford and how close she and her older brother Kevin were. She loved being with him. Karen enjoyed their family vacations, traveling to places to take in the sights and visiting extended family. She had a love for animals, had horses growing up and always had a dog throughout her life. Karen loved spending time outside, especially taking care of her yard and flowers and just being in the sunshine. She was a kind, generous and compassionate person who loved helping others and just being there for them when needed. What Karen cherished the most was spending time with her nieces and nephews and their children. What a legacy she has left for them. Karen was the epitome of the faithful servant. She had a strong personal faith in God that only grew more precious after her cancer diagnosis in November 2019. There is no doubt that she heard the words “well done good and faithful servant” when she entered into Heaven. Those left to cherish Karen’s memory and carry on her legacy include her uncle John (Barb) Irelan of Loveland, CO, brother, Kevin (Lori) Welsch of Leigh, NE; nephew, Kyle (Janell) Brown of Kearney, NE; niece, Hillary (Luke) Goodwin of Gothenburg, NE; nephew, Jeremy (Annie) Welsch of Omaha, NE; niece, Kristin (Keith) Henggeler of Eustis, NE. Great nieces and nephews Tate, Shayne, Gunner and Ila Mae Brown; Grace, Bristol and Logan Goodwin; Mikey, Emma and Lizzie Welsch; and Nolan Henggeler; and longtime special friend, Mary Fitzke of Kearney, NE. Karen considered Tom (Kendra) Brown as her nephew as well and his children Jaron, Addison and Logan. She will also be missed by many cousins and a host of friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her uncle, Donald Irelan and uncle Wayne and aunt Bonnie Fish and cousin, Steven Fish. While we rejoice that her mind is restored and her body no longer suffers, we will miss her presence in our lives, and are comforted by the fact that we will be reunited with her in Heaven someday. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.

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Karen L. Welsch

September 20, 1956 - February 4, 2021