Karen Ruth (Dohmen) Czapla, 69, of Kearney, NE, died at home surrounded by family on Monday, October 5th, 2026, after a long brave battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2026 at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation is Thursday 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. There will be a 7:30 p.m. vigil service all at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Visitation will continue Friday morning 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. 

Karen was born on July 3, 1957, in Norfolk, NE, to Bernard and Mary (Herink) Dohmen. She grew up on a farm near Leigh, NE, eventually moving to Columbus, NE. She attended Columbus High School, graduating in 1975. While in Columbus Karen worked at Deno’s Dinner, McDonalds and Appleton Electric. In 2011 she moved to Kearney, NE, and worked at Jack Lederman Company.

Karen always had a strong faith in the Lord. She enjoyed spoiling her grandkids, spending quality time with family and friends, reading, trying new recipes, traveling with her sisters and trips to the casino.

Karen is survived by:

Daughter: Sheila (Aaron) Pickrel of Gretna, NE.

Grandchildren: Zachary Pickrel of Kearney, NE. Sophia and Elizabeth Pickrel of Gretna, NE. Aaron Ueding of Lincoln, NE.

Seven sisters and one brother:

Diane Brandt of Kearney, NE

Donald (Joan) Dohmen of Humphrey, NE

Marilyn (Dale) Greisen of Columbus, NE

Barbara Shotkoski of Lincoln, NE

Bonnie (Dolan) Larsen of Columbus, NE

Linda (Carl) Munford of Columbus, NE

Sandra (Gary) Labenz of Newman Grove, NE

Phyllis (Mike) Shank of Columbus, NE

Brother-in-Law: Butch Siebler of Iowa

Numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by:

Parents: Bernard and Mary Dohmen

Sister: Corrine Siebler

Brothers-in-Law: Jerry Brandt, Gary Shotkoski, Glen Brown

Niece: Jennifer Munford