Karen Christner

Karen Kay Nordhausen was born April 18, 1939 to Carl and Sophia (Bischoff) Nordhausen on the family farm south of Wauneta, Nebraska. She was baptized into Christ on May, 8, 1939 at St Paul Lutheran Church, rural Wauneta, her church home for life.

She attended Sunnyside Country School, a rural, one room school, throughout the fifth grade, her sixth and seventh grades were in Wauneta Grade School. Karen graduated from the eighth grade at St Paul Parochial School and the Dundy County Country Schools. She also reconfirmed her baptismal vow with the Rite of Confirmation. Karen graduated with the Wauneta High School class of 1957 and received her Associate of Arts degree at McCook Junior College. After one year at Colorado State College, Greeley, Colorado, she married Albert (Loyd) Christner at St Paul Lutheran Church.

They were blessed with three children and their families: daughter, Rene' (Joe) Maris, their children: son, Jayden (Ashli) Maris, their family; Kobe, Braxton, Gavyn and Anna; daughter Randi (Lincoln) Hunter, their family, Chaynee and Nixyn; daughter Jonee (Brady) Chilewski, their children Charlee and Brix; son, Curtis (Deana) Christner and their families: daughter, Veronica (Mike) Jackson and Savannah; daughter, Stefanie (Andy) Watkins, their children, Nathan and Andrea; Twins, Courtney Christner (Aaron), and Connor Christner (Mariya); and daughter, Renelle (Barry) Mooney and their children, Rylee, Blayzon and Ryker.

In high school she was active in band, pep club and as piano accompanist for choir groups. After her marriage, Karen was active in the Wauneta community with Mrs. Jaycees, VFW and AMVETS Auxiliaries as well as serving on the Wauneta School Board. She also gave piano lessons to many students. Her first love was to serve her Lord and Savior through St Paul, twice as Catechism teacher, substitute Sunday school teacher, choir member, director and accompanist. She served her Lord for 63 years as church organist.

She was especially involved in LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) serving as an officer in her St Paul society, the McCook Zone and as President of the LWML Nebraska South District. She often remarked “how the LWML could do such awesome things. But then, we do have a pretty awesome God!”

Her husband, Loyd, preceded her in death on May 29, 2021. Karen went to be with her Lord on November 14, 2024. She was 85 years of age.

Karen’s Confirmation verse reads: I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in Me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit. For without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM (MOUNTAIN TIME) on Tuesday morning, November 19, 2024 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Rural Wauneta, Nebraska with Pastor Keith Wellman officiating. Pallbearers include her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. St Paul organists/pianists/choir will provide many of Karen's favorite hymns.

Committal services will be held at 11:00 AM (CENTRAL TIME) on Wednesday morning, November 20, 2024 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials in Karen's name are suggested to the St Paul's Lutheran Church LWML or to the Parkinson's Foundation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.