Karen was born on October 19, 1955 to Dean and Donnice Kissel in Lincoln, NE. After graduating from Lincoln East High School, she went on to study Early Childhood Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduation she worked as a Special Education teacher.
Karen wed Michael Wilkinson in 1981 and later moved to Central Illinois where they raised two sons, Alan and Kevin. When Karen had Alan, she decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother and, eventually, grandmother. Karen excelled at propping up those she loved and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives.
Karen was a passionate cook, baker, crafter, and gardener. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she was traveling to Florida, Colorado, Washington, Italy, and other destinations. Eventually she fulfilled her lifelong dream of moving close to the ocean in Virginia Beach, VA. She moved back to Omaha to spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren in 2021.
We will miss her greatly.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents. Karen is survived by her sons Alan and Kevin (wife Celia), her grandchildren Emery, Parker, and Rosalyn, her brothers Gary and Gordon (wife JoAnne), and her three nieces Alex, Meg, and Daisha.
There will be a celebration of life on March 17, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Roper & Sons Funeral Home, 4300 O Street, Lincoln, NE.
Memorials may be given to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (https://www.bcrf.org/ or METAvivor (https://donate.metavivor.org/main)
Livestreaming will be available 10 minutes prior to service.