Obituary for Karen Luther Brasee Karen Lorelle Luther Brasee, 85, passed away on October 12, 2018, in Grand Island, NE. Karen was born to Otto and Margaret (Meyer) Luther on April 11, 1933, in Wisner, NE. Raised on a farm in northwest Cuming County, Karen attended a one-room country school located on her grandfather’s land before graduating from Wisner High School in 1950 at 17.
She received an Associate’s Degree in Chemistry from Colorado Women’s College in Denver, CO in 1952. Karen then enrolled in a joint degree program with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center where she studied chemistry. Following graduation in 1954, she received a joint Master’s of Science in Medical Technology and a certification as a Medical Technologist.
Married to Carl R. Brasee on November 30, 1957; the couple moved to Grand Island to share a full and happy life. Karen lived a life of value – and of values – in many ways, public and private. She was a Medical Technologist for St. Francis Hospital for many years.
She was the Chairman of the Board of Citizens Bank & Trust Company in St. Paul, Loup City and Central City from 1975 to 2013, remaining Chairman Emeritus after her retirement. Karen valued knowledge and wherever she lived – Grand Island, a cabin in Spearfish Canyon, SD or Arizona – dozens and dozens of books of varied subjects would appear for the benefit of all. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and went on numerous mission trips serving women in prison in Russia and the Baltic states with her friend, Pastor John Reehl.
She served on the Public Employees Retirement Board for the State of Nebraska. The Nebraska Foundation for the Humanities, the Board of Councilors for UNMC and the board of directors of the Museum of Nebraska Art are three of many nonprofits boards on which she skillfully served. Karen was true to her friendships, including through her P.E.O. Chapter, book clubs and bridge club.
Her counsel was often sought on matters great and small with the knowledge that the response would be thoughtful and true. She deer hunted and fished walleye alongside her father and with her husband, flew around North America as Carl’s co-pilot, camped throughout the West with her family (especially her beloved Spearfish Canyon, SD), skied for many years, and exercised race horses at Fonner Park. There are scores of “Karen quilts” throughout the country that swaddle and comfort the children of friends from infancy onward.
She tirelessly drove thousands of miles a year to meaningfully participate in the lives of her children, grandchildren and friends. Remaining to cherish her memory is her husband of more than 60 years – Carl R. Brasee. In addition, she is loved and honored by her children, Margret Brasee Loftus (Eric), John C. Brasee (Debbie) and Mark L. Brasee (Mary Lou); her grandchildren, Courtney Marie Brasee, Cameron Russell Brasee, Rehn Lorelle Loftus and Lincoln Brasee Loftus; her sister, Bonnie McGinnis; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
Preceding Karen to the arms of our Savior are her parents, Otto and Margaret Luther; her brother, John C. Luther; and her nephew, Scott L. McGinnis. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, October 15, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 212 W 12th St, Grand Island, NE 68801. Funeral services for Karen will be 10:30 a.m. onTuesday, October 16, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 212 W 12th St, Grand Island, NE 68801, with internment to follow at the Grand Island Cemetery, 3168 W Stolley Park Rd, Grand Island, NE 68801.
All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Memorials may be directed to: Trinity Lutheran Church or the Child Saving Institute, Omaha, NE in lieu of flowers. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Karen Luther Brasee please visit our Sympathy Store.
Today’s Events Visitation , OCT 15. 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM Trinity Lutheran Church Grand Island, NE, US Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Karen’s Visitation begins. Upcoming Events Service , OCT 16.
10:30 AM Trinity Lutheran Church Grand Island, NE, US Order Flowers for the Service Guaranteed delivery before Karen’s Service begins.
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