Karen K. Lueck

Karen Lueck, 78 Kearney resident Karen Kay Lueck, 78, passed from this life into eternal life on Thursday, July 16, 2020 in her home. She was surrounded by her family. All are invited to attend a graveside service 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2020 at Kearney Cemetery with the Rev. Melody Adams officiating. The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Masks are strongly encouraged. Karen was born on May 13, 1942 in Sutherland, Nebraska to James and Mable (Cotten) Marrs. Growing up in Sutherland, Karen graduated from Sutherland High School in 1960. Upon graduating, she lived in Colorado Springs for a short time before moving to Kearney to attend college. Karen met Jerome (Jerry) Samuel Rash, Jr. in Kearney in 1961 and they married on January 4, 1963. They became parents to Jerome (Jerry) Samuel Rash III and Kevin Andrew Rash. Karen met William (Bill) Henry Lueck in Kearney in 1973. They were married on November 26, 1975. Bill passed away on August 10, 2010 from Leukemia in Kearney. Karen had a long and loved career with Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska. She began working as a program secretary in February of 1974. In November of 1974, she was promoted to Finance Director and was again promoted to Executive Director/CEO in April of 1999. Beyond her position duties, Karen held various State, Regional, and National positions. Additionally, she helped to create “Beads in a Box”, a jewelry business that acted as an additional fundraising resource for the non-profit organization. Karen retired in May of 2014. In her retired years, Karen loved spending time with her dogs, Boogie and Nicole. Unfortunately, Boogie went to join Bill in Heaven in 2018. Karen also enjoyed beading and other various crafts. She also began “snow birding” to Arizona, spending the winters in Bullhead City starting in 2014. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mable, and her husband, Bill. Left to keep her memory are son, Jerry (Jeanne) Rash of Kearney, NE; son, Kevin (Ginger) Rash of Springfield, MO; granddaughter and great-granddaughters, Stephanie (Ryan), Mya, and Ava Wetovick of Broken Bow, NE; granddaughter, Megan Rash of Elkhorn, NE; grandson, Andrew Rash of Kansas City, MO; grandson, Benjamin Rash and granddaughter, Natalie Rash, both of Springfield, MO. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hearts United for Animals or to AseraCare Hospice of Kearney. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Karen K. Lueck

May 13, 1942 - July 16, 2020