Karen K. Brown

Karen Kay Brown passed away peacefully, October 18, 2024 after a strong fight with cancer. Karen Kay Prather was born on January 18, 1946 to Geraldine Martina (Benzler) Prather and Homer Lee “Pete” Prather in Kearney, Nebraska. Karen grew up as an only child and spent her entire life in Kearney. She graduated from Kearney High School in 1964. She married and divorced Gene Keith. Brenda Jean and Bradley James Keith joined Karen’s family. Karen was then united in marriage to Larry Lee Brown on February 27, 1970 in Minden, Nebraska. To this union, Karen’s third child, Michael Lee Brown, was born. The family was raised next door to her mother and grandfather, Fred Benzler, who she was very close to. She built a house across the alley in the 1980’s, living there until moving to Wel-Life Kearney Assisted Living in February of 2024 to recover from a stroke and fight lung cancer. She was very impressed with the support and care she received while at Wel-Life from the staff there and the St. Croix Hospice team. Karen worked at Keenan Beverages, the TB hospital, Kearney High School first as an aid in the library, then she taught business for 39 years. She assisted with Pep Club, selling tickets at games, and sponsored Future Business Leaders of America for several years. She helped the business department in transitioning from typewriters to computers. Many of her students have shared great memories of her as a teacher and FBLA sponsor. She enjoyed taking students to state and national FBLA conventions. Karen was a member of Nebraska Education Association, Eagles, American Legion, the Women’s International Bowling Congress. She served as secretary for the Kearney Women’s Bowling association. She was also a Delegate and enjoyed attending state and national bowling tournaments. Karen was inducted into the Bowling Hall of fame in 1996. Karen found much enjoyment in life participating in outdoor activities. She enjoyed gardening, camping, 4 wheeling, Jet skis, boating, car races, and tubing down the river. She participated in numerous Women in the Outdoors events where she learned everything from archery to Dutch oven cooking. Karen loved going places and being with people. Loud laughter and tall tales followed wherever she went. She had an appreciation for cars, especially convertibles. She drove her convertible on cruise night, sang karaoke in the garage, played Bingo, couldn’t get enough technology, went geocaching, and chased Pokémon into the wee hours. Karen never passed up a garage sale or a good deal! Some of her most courageous adventures were driving in a Powder Puff Demolition Derby, visiting 3 continents and 15 different countries and territories on cruise ships. She returned from one cruise the day the cruise lines shut down due to the Pandemic. Her favorite experiences were partying, bowling, and playing card games with 4 different generations. “What a hoot!” Those left to enjoy memories of Karen include: special friend, Denny Egge of Kearney; son, Brad Keith of Grand Island, NE; daughter, Brenda Keith McMurtrey of Saint George, UT; grandchildren, Ashley Vollenweider Novak (Cody) of Bennington, NE, Gabrielle Austin Briggs (Dean Briggs II), of Denton, TX, Christina McMurtrey Herron (Jeremiah) of Washington, UT, Shawn McMurtrey (Sarah) of Wood Village, OR, Jessica McMurtrey Woods (Laramie) of St. George, UT, Dallas McMurtrey (Jonna) of Surprise, AZ, Nicholas McMurtrey (Kristen) of Ogden, UT; 12 great-grandchildren, Mikiah, Kynslea, Anistyn, Brixtan, Maddox, Easton, Jaxon, Ryker, Quintyn, Luka, Dean Briggs III, and a baby girl due in December. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Michael. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. A private burial service will be held at the Kearney Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Craig Funeral Home in Minden is assisting the family. We sincerely appreciate all the support the medical personnel, St. Croix Hospice, Wel-Life Assisted Living, family and friends have extended to her and to our family. You have all brought great comfort to us. Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.

Karen K. Brown

January 18, 1946 - October 18, 2024