Karen Siemek

Karen S. Siemek, 76, passed away peacefully at Brookstone Acres on Wednesday, November 4th surrounded by her family after a long battle with ALS.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday followed by a 7:00 p.m. vigil service all at the church. Visitation will Continue Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary Cemetery-Pilzno.

Karen was born on September 15, 1950, to Leffert and Anita "Peggy" Corder in Shenandoah, Iowa. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1968 and went on to earn her teaching degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1972. Following graduation she taught on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation until forced to leave due to the Wounded Knee Occupation.

On July 17, 1973, she married Webster Robbins in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and together they had two sons, Christopher and Benjamin Robbins.

On January 11, 1990, she married her forever dance partner, Walter Siemek, in Branson, Missouri. To this union, their son Quintin was born.

Karen worked at several financial institutions as a loan officer, including Beneficial and First National Bank. After retiring from First National, she went to work at Walmart, where she later retired due to health issues.

Karen and Walt enjoyed camping and fishing together, spending many summers at their favorite spots throughout Nebraska. Karen was especially talented with her crochet needles, creating countless blankets and baby outfits for family and friends.

Karen is survived by her husband, Walt Siemek of Columbus, Nebraska; her sons, Christopher (Keri) Robbins of Columbus, Nebraska, and Quintin Siemek of Lincoln, Nebraska; and her grandsons, Harrison and Chayton Robbins.

She is also survived by her stepchildren: Matthew (Stacy) Siemek of North Platte, Nebraska; Andy (NaTosha) Siemek of Ashland, Nebraska; Adam (Bobby) Siemek of Seattle, Washington; Sarah (Ray) Lello of Chesterfield, Missouri; and Patrick (Erica) Siemek of Duncan, Nebraska. Grandchildren Emma, Abbi, Ava, and Brik Siemek; Theodore, Scarlett, and Mara Siemek; Paxton and August Lello; and Gloria Siemek

Additional survivors include; her brother, Alan Corder; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leffert and Anita "Peggy" Corder; her son, Benjamin Robbins; and her sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Randy Bretschneider.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Brookstone Acres and St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care.