January 23, 1952 – April 20, 2026

Karen Jo Killham, 74, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 20, 2026, while under hospice care.

Born on January 23, 1952, in North Platte, Nebraska, Karen was the daughter of Ben and Clara Lee. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1970 and went on to further her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning her degree in 1974.

Throughout her professional life, Karen worked in technology and education. From 1989 to 1998, she worked at Lincoln Northeast High School as a computer lab supervisor and also served as the cheerleading sponsor for several years. In 1998, she continued her work at Southeast Community College-Lincoln, where she worked as an adjunct instructor and managed the computer lab until her retirement.

Karen was a fixture at any event her sons, grandsons, and other family participated in – cheering from the crowd and becoming a fan. Whether it was band, drum corps, or ska, baseball or theatre or choir, she would travel and brave the elements just for a chance to see people she loved doing what they loved. Their loves became hers and she was all in. One of her favorite family traditions was creating gingerbread houses. She would bake and assemble them from scratch and everyone got their own to decorate. When other people heard of the tradition, she would often make an extra house or two for their families to decorate too.

When she wasn’t doing things with her family, Karen found joy and purpose in her love for dogs, particularly pugs. She was actively involved with SNAFU and Wag N Train Terrier Rescues, where she dedicated herself to fostering dogs and finding them loving homes. She kept in contact with all her foster pups’ forever families, always loving those dogs like her own. Her home was always a sanctuary for one or more furry companions.

Karen is survived by her three sons, Owen (Emily) Killham, Evan Killham, both of Lincoln, NE and Adam Killham of Bellevue, NE, and three grandchildren, Matthew, Sammy, and Jonathan Killham. She is also survived by her brother, Bruce Lee of Buffalo, New York and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sandee Berggren.

While Karen did not want a formal funeral service, there will be a private scattering of ashes in places meaningful to her to honor her life and the impact she had on those who knew her. Her family would appreciate your memories and stories. Memories and memorials may be sent in care of the family to Aspen Cremation and Burial Services, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504.

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