Karen Lieske

Karen Joyce (Gettman) Meister Lieske was born June 16, 1938 in McCook, Nebraska, to Reuben and Irene Gettman. Karen entered eternal rest on July 24, 2025. She graduated from McCook High School and attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. On September 6, 1958, she married Ronald Paul Meister at St. Patrick Catholic Church in McCook. They had four children.

Karen’s life revolved around her faith, her family and her music. Karen taught piano lessons for 70+ years, often teaching three generations of a family. She graced many McCook congregations with her organ music. Her piano students were the sunshine in her early mornings and evenings. Her hands danced over those ivory keys countless times until her fingers could dance no more. It was then that she rested her hands, listened, and taught.

Karen was surrounded by a loving family and dear friends. She looked for the best in others and gave her best even when life dealt her major challenges. She was there for her children’s triumphs and there to soften their pain as they did for her when we lost Ron in 1986. Karen loved hosting and entertaining in her home. The table was always set with the prettiest napkins and just the right color candles. No one in our family created more uniquely funny moments than Karen – such as when she sprinkled garlic salt on the eggnog pie instead of yellow sugar. Times with family were the best. Perhaps it was a game of barnyard at Johnson Lake, a day of recreation and a barbecue at the Willow, hiding fishing lures and bobbers at her lake trailer for the grandchildren to find, or Christmases with her sister. She loved Husker game days– especially if she was sporting a new Nebraska football or volleyball shirt. Her light was bright but soft. Her laughter and tears were genuine. Her love was evident. That’s why everyone loved her.

Karen was the prayer warrior for our family. Her mornings always included devotional and prayer time. She would draw a balloon, write a prayer request in the balloon, and prayerfully lift it as if she was releasing the balloon heavenward for God to respond. We’ll never know how many prayers were answered, all because Karen prayed.

To the angels who loved and cared for Karen – Kathy, Martha, Tracy, Leeann and Sandra – there are no words to express the depth of our love and gratitude. Your tender care allowed Karen to remain in her home the last couple of years. She loved you.

Karen is survived by her four children – Darrell (Anita) Meister, Dan (Jan) Meister, Larry (Karla Sharp) Meister, and Joan Meister; grandchildren – Joylynn Tagupa, Dennis Tagupa, Rosalia Tagupa, Erika (Marshall) Brownfield, Chad Meister, Ryan (Jen) Sharp, and Kyle (Susie) Sharp, brother James (Zoe) Gettman; sister Gera (Steve) Beideck; sisters-in law, Karen (Bill) Petersen and Mary (Cy) Horvath, great grandchildren, a niece and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by husband Ron, her parents Reuben and Irene, her in-laws CJ and Harriet Meister, and brother in-law Jerry Muehling.

Cremation was chosen and Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in McCook with Father Gary Brethour celebrating. Burial in Saint Patrick Calvary Cemetery in McCook will follow services.

Memorials are suggested to the family of Karen Lieske for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.