Karen Marie Sandberg, age 82, of Sutherland, Nebraska passed away at home surrounded by her family on Monday, September 21, 2020.
Karen was born on the family farm southwest of Sutherland, Nebraska to Clarence 'Harry' and Helen (Jochum) Goedert on May 18, 1938. She attended country school to the 8th grade, then Sutherland High School, graduating in 1956. Karen went on to Kearney State College and received her teaching certificate after a year. She taught in country schools around Paxton and Sutherland, and then at Sutherland Public Schools for a year.
On December 26, 1959, Karen was united in marriage to Robert Lee Sandberg at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland. The couple made their home in Sutherland and raised four children. They lived on the farm from 1965-1982, then moved into town so the kids wouldn't have to go so far for their activities.
Karen devoted her life to her husband, kids and grandkids. She helped with harvesting and was very supportive of the kids' activities. Karen started her cheerleading career in high school and continued throughout her entire life, cheering for her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids at their many events. She always had a hot meal ready for everyone at noon and 6 p.m., and they all knew not to be late! Her grandkids and great-grandkids loved going to Grandma's house for special times. She was even called 'Grandma Karen' by many others.
Along with her family, Karen was dedicated to her church and community. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and made countless signs, cookies, and posters to celebrate kids in the community. Karen was an amazing, loving woman who will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents, harry and Helen Goedert; and sisters Joan Eshleman and Henrietta 'Henri' Dombrowski.
Karen is survived by her children, Robert 'Rob' (Jennifer) Sandberg of Sutherland, Nebraska, Renee (Mark) Miller of Grand Island, Nebraska, Melinda 'Mindy' (Trevor) Howard of Overland Park, Kansas, and Melissa 'Missy' (Troy) Hopping of Sutherland, Nebraska; 12 grandkids, Ryan, Sara (Dustin), Abby (Ethan), Katie (Kyle), Alex, Marley, Alexa (Ben), Joli, Erica, Luke, Reagan, and Blake; 6 great-grandkids, Emma, Charlie, Maverick, Kruz, Jett, and Hadlee; her sister, Linda 'Cookie' (Ron) Schroeder of St. Ann, Illinois; as well as other family.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, Nebraska, which is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will also be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland, Nebraska on Thursday, September 24, 2020 beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Masks are required at the church.
Due to Covid restrictions, Mass for the family will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Sagar. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland. Mass will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/SacredHeartSutherland/ and will be posted to odeanchapel.com following the services. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used to establish a scholarship in Karen's name.