Karen Jo Lancaster
February 6, 1953 – October 1, 2020
Omaha, NE- Karen Jo Lancaster, age 67, passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family after her battle with Covid 19 and other serious health issues, on October 1, 2020. She was born in Omaha in 1953 and besides moving to Grand Island for a while, Karen lived in the Omaha area most of her life.
Karen very much loved her late husband Gene; her family; her dog, Rosie; and multitudes of friends. And do not forget the Nebraska Cornhuskers! She attended most home games at Memorial Stadium for over 20 years and enjoyed watch parties with friends and family. She was the sole owner and President of her own business the last 14 years and just recently planned to step away for good from 50+ years of labor, management, and ownership positions in the workforce.
We will all miss her quick wit, hilariously scornful looks, and kind and giving nature. She had a huge heart and donated generously to many charities; mostly for children and families, law enforcement groups, and her most favorite, causes for animals and especially, dogs. She had a small stature but a large presence; she did not shy away from speaking out if someone was wrong or rude, or if she felt the need to call a spade a spade.
Karen Jo will be missed mostly because she was always there for people, and I mean anyone; whether it was a quick meal, an emergency loan, a simple hug or a sympathetic ear—she was an exceptional listener, and dozens leaned on her for her great advice and wisdom. A small rock in this world that held up quite a few large boulders and did not complain a bit about it.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Lefler. She is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer (Dave) Herweg and Katie (Brandt) Eby; sister, Carrol (Joe) Cronin; brothers: Robert (Wanda) Berens, John (Janyce) Berens, Kevin (Kim) Berens and Patrick (Deanna) Berens; granddaughters: Caitlin, Chelsi, Sydnie, Brandi, Jayden and Brookelin; great-grandson, Jeremiah; great-granddaughters, Jaeda and River; niece, Bev; and nephew, Chris.
VISITATION: Monday, October 5th from 6pm to 8pm at the West Center Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, October 6th at 2pm at the West Center Chapel. CDC Guidelines will be observed at the Visitation and at the Funeral Service. Please direct all memorials to Nebraska Humane Society.
To view a live broadcast of the Service, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the home page.
19 Comments
Love you Karen! I’m gonna miss our Monday morning talks
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
There was a small chapter in Karen’s life that she managed a local restaurant. This is where a group of out control employee’s that adopted her and will always called her Aunt Karen. She loved her PBR and I will always have great memories from those days. She will be missed.
Was it the amazing chicken place in Omaha? She got me a job there when I was younger as a waitress 🙂
Many prayers for the family to get through the days ahead.
My heart goes out to the family. Sending prayers and love.
What a great tribute to your Mom. She was one of a kind. Am so glad she considered me a friend. Always enjoyed talking to her! She shall be missed💖
My condolences to the family. Karen and I became quick friends. She will be missed by many..
My thoughts and prayers to Karen’s family. She was a wonderful lady. Enjoyed the times I golfed and partied with her. Such a strong lady and I am so blessed to have known her and to have her in my life. She will be missed.
Sending thoughts and sympathy to all of you. I knew your mom when she lived in Buccaneer Bay and would see her at the clubhouse often.
I’m going to miss her, love as always,your cousin Chris Cox (steward)
I will miss everything about her. My aunt, confidant, friend and mentor. Love her without limits. Ride with Gene on the Harley and breathe freely. 🌸🦋
Our sympathy. She was a strong woman and we were blessed to call her our friend.
I’ll miss you. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Karen was a sweetheart, one of a kind. We will cherish the memories we made at Bay Hills, Husker games and HV. Rest in Peace my friend,
I will always love you and miss you so Mama Karen! You were a second mother to me growing up! Love you Jenny and Katie!!!! I will watch the stream, I wish I could be there for you!
I will miss my friend we went through a lot of things together. She had a huge heart and loved her family dearly. Rest in Peace Lady.
Jenny and Caitlin I’m so very sad to here about Karen my thoughts are with you both today . Jenny I send you a big hug . I’m very sorry for your loss . I will keep your family in my prayers . Love you both . Sandy
My thoughts and sympathy to her family.
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