Karen Troyer, aged 79, a beloved figure of North Platte, Nebraska, sadly left our world on July 16th, 2024, after a life lived richly in service and kindness. On February 27th, 1945, she was born to Clifford and Margaret (Waugh) McNeel in Los Angeles, CA.
Karen married Dan Troyer on October 6, 1963, just a few months upon graduating high school. They were blessed with two sons, Brad and Kyle. The couple lived in North Platte as they raised their children and worked at several places, a memorable one being the Sale Barn, where Karen thoroughly enjoyed the people she became familiar with and enjoyed working around.
Being a grandma was especially important to Karen and she loved spending as much time with her grandkids as possible. She was a lifetime member and deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte. Karen was a 50 plus member of the Velvet Spurs Riding Club, which celebrated their 55th anniversary just last year. She also became a member of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo Queen Committee in 1985, where she found her passion for pageants and rodeo queens. After the Miss Rodeo Nebraska title was moved to North Platte, Karen immediately joined the Association. Upon joining the Association 33 years ago, she has participated in nearly every volunteer opportunity; she chaired the pageant committee, served as assistant director, aided with sponsorships, chaperoned dozens of young ladies, and helped wherever she was needed. Karen dedicated 28 years to the Miss Rodeo America Inc. and the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, serving on multiple committees over the years. Karen was a member of The Troop, which is a group of her high school classmates, a Teammates mentor, and an elementary school class aid. She was a beacon of unwavering friendship and kindness and has left an incredible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Those that precede Karen in death include her parents; her son, Brad; and her brother, Kim. Karen was the last surviving member of the “Four Golden Girls”; the three preceding her being Mardee Swanson, Sharon Halligan, and Betty Priel.
Karen will be a guiding star for all who knew her and she is leaving a legacy through her husband of 60 years, Dan Troyer; her son, Kyle Troyer; sister, Kelly (Vern) Ehlers; grandkids, JD (fiancé, Cassie) Troyer, Landon (Taylor) Troyer, Lacey (Andrew) Dalton, Ryce Troyer, Calie Troyer; great granddaughters, Bradleigh Troyer, Logan Dalton, Collins Dalton; daughters-in-law, Jacque (Steve) Stadler of Minden, Yvette Troyer of Hershey; several other family members and a vast amount of friends.
Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com and memorials are suggested to the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Scholarship or Miss Rodeo America Scholarship in honor of Karen.
A funeral service will be held in honor of Karen on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 11 AM at the Steer Head Arena in Hershey, NE, with Reverend Nathan Brand as officiant. Burial will follow immediately at North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, from 12 PM to 7 PM at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.