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Karen K. (Roettger) Kuenning age 80 was born on September 17, 1945, to Raymond and Sophie (Ruge) at home in Otoe, NE. She lived a blessed life until passing to eternity on December 21, 2025.

She was baptized, confirmed and married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Otoe, NE. She started playing for church at the age of 12 and continued until September of 2025.

Karen graduated from Syracuse High School in 1963. She enjoyed playing volleyball and cheerleading for her sweetheart Rich. They met, fell in love and were married on September 20, 1963, following Karen’s graduation. They were blessed with a son Tad Richard. They moved to Cook, NE where Rich had a barber shop. In 1974 they moved back to Otoe and bought Karen’s grandparents acreage. Karen worked for Pendleton Woolen Mills for 38 ½ years until it was moved overseas. Karen was a 4-H leader and loved directing the Annual Otoe BBQ bash shows. She also enjoyed directing the Children’s choir and Christmas Programs at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Following Pendleton’s, Karen worked for another 18 years for Tim Hall Financial Services until her retirement. Karen loved music, playing her piano and dancing. But most of all raising Tad and loving her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rich and Karen loved traveling and cruising either alone, with family or friends.

Karen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Tad & Kellie (Urban) Kuenning; granddaughters Tina Walters, Kara & Travis “Taco” Walters; great granddaughters Nickolette Kuenning and Lorelei Walters; great grandson; Korben Walters; sister Joann Sauberzwieg; also, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Kuenning, her parents, Father & Mother in law Warren and Dorothy (Lamb) Kuenning; Sister Colleen Thayer, Brothers Duane Roettger & Robert Roettger; Brother and sister in law: Wayne Kuenning and Joyce Kuenning Hartman.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27th at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Otoe. The service will be livestreamed on the Fusselman Facebook page. Burial will follow at the Otoe Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26th from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home in Syracuse.

Memorials directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Otoe, NE and Otoe Cemetery

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com