Vera Jean Karel

1936 - 2025

Vera Jean Karel

March 28, 1936 - December 2, 2025

Vera Jean Karel, 89, of Lincoln passed away December 2, 2025, at Tabitha Good House after a recent struggle with her health. She was born on a farm near Clarkson, Neb. on March 28, 1936, to Henry and Alice (Herling) Balzer.

Vera graduated from Clarkson High School in 1953. In 1956, she married Kenneth L. Karel and moved to Lincoln, Neb. where Ken attended college. She was married to Ken for 58 years until his death in 2015.

Vera was employed at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission retiring in 2001. She was an active member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church holding many leadership positions and serving many social roles. She and Ken volunteered their time delivering Meals on Wheels and later, Vera was the recipient of this service. Vera also volunteered for many hours for Barnabas Community.

Vera is preceded in death by her husband, Ken; parents, Henry and Alice Balzer; brother, Henry Balzer, Jr. and wife, Gloria; sister, Alice Horak and husband, Adrian; brother-in-law, Lad Karel and wife, Arlene; and brother-in-law, Gary Ruzicka.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Cindy), Lincoln, Neb.; daughter, Kathy (Steve) Fujan, Tucson, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Jenna (Nathan) Fuller, Liberty, Mo., Lisa (Austin) Corcoran, Lees Summit, Mo., Barbara Karel, Lincoln, Neb., Joshua (Morgan) Karel, Bennet, Neb., and Ryan Wichtendahl, Lincoln, Neb.; seven great-grandchildren, David, Ava and Eden Fuller, Oona and Evelyn Corcoran, and Madelyn and Daniel Karel and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 8300 E Pointe Rd, Lincoln. Prior private interment.

Visitation with family present from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2025, at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials donations may be made to Tabitha Meals on Wheels or the family for future designation.