Karen S. Henry

March 28, 1942 – Jan. 16, 2021

Posted

Karen Sue Henry passed away Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln, with her four children by her side. Karen was born March 28, 1942, in Holdrege, to Roy and Mary Ann Burgeson. She grew up in Holdrege with her brothers Jim, John, Dave and Mike and sister, Mary Lou.

After graduating from Holdrege High School, Karen moved to Denver, Colorado, to attend Central Business College. She graduated from the two-year program and went to work for the architecture firm of Wheeler and Lewis.

While with a group of friends, she met Jim Henry who was entertaining the group that evening. They became a couple and were married Sept. 27, 1963.

Daughter Amy was born in 1967 after moving back to Holdrege. In 1970, Jim and Karen moved to McCook, where daughters Carrie and Malinda were born. Son Travis was also born in McCook in 1971. Jim and Karen raised their family in McCook with many good memories and good friends.

After Jim retired from the McCook Police Department, Jim and Karen moved to Missouri Valley, Iowa, where their daughter Carrie and granddaughter Kinley lived. Karen helped Carrie in her New York Life office. When Malinda moved to Missouri Valley from Brazil, Karen was delighted to be able to babysit for her grandson, Justice.

In 2010, Jim and Karen moved to Seward, where daughter Amy, son-in-law Gus and grandchildren Riley, Erin and Cale lived. It was in Seward where Jim was diagnosed with leukemia. Karen and son Travis cared for him for the next 18 months until he passed away in March 2012. After Jim’s death, Karen went to work in home health, caring for several ladies in their homes. Taking care of others was what gave her purpose and joy in life. Karen was overjoyed to attend Travis’ wedding to Anne Atkins in October 2017.

In late 2019, Karen’s health began to be worrisome. Accompanied by her daughter Amy in the daily challenges, Karen patiently and courageously faced her gradual decline in health. She was supported by friends, family and her unwavering faith until her passing.

Karen wished for any memorial contributions to be designated to the hospice organization of the donor's choice. A memorial service will be arranged at a later date. Cards may be sent in care of Amy Miller, 1102 N. First Street, Seward, Nebraska 68434. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.