Karen Renee (Anderson) Finck

Karen Renee (Anderson) Finck, 79, of Omaha, NE, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unconditional love.

Born on September 30, 1945, in Greeley, CO, Karen was the daughter of the late J. Arnold Anderson and Margaret Florence Engstrom. She was baptized on November 11, 1945, at First English Lutheran Church in Greeley and confirmed on May 29, 1960, at Thabor Lutheran Church in Wausa, NE. Karen graduated from Wausa Public Schools in May 1963, where she formed lifelong friendships and treasured memories.

After graduation, Karen attended the Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, NE, where she completed a one-year business program. Her first job was working for Mr. Ziba N. Dewey, a civil engineer with offices in Norfolk.

Karen married the love of her life, Dale Finck, on April 4, 1965, at Thabor Lutheran Church after a whirlwind courtship. Together, they built a life in Wausa, NE, raising four daughters. Karen was a dedicated farm wife and later worked as a bookkeeper for a cabinet maker, took on various roles at the local grocery store, and ultimately served as head cook at the assisted living community in Wausa.

Karen’s hands were rarely idle. She sewed most of her daughters’ clothes—always making sure they had new Easter dresses. An exceptional cook and baker, she delighted her family with homemade meals and traditional Swedish dishes at Christmastime, along with freshly baked bread and cookies. The Missouri Western State University Griffons football team especially appreciated the hundreds of cookies she made for their road trips while her grandson, Shawn, was a student-athlete there.

Karen had a deep love for Wausa and was actively involved in both her church and community. She held numerous roles, some of her favorites including serving on the Smorgasbord Committee, leading the Busy Guys and Gals 4-H Club, participating in the St. Lucia Honor Committee at Thabor Lutheran Church, and helping with Thabor Teens, Luther League, and coordinating serving groups.

In her later years, Karen’s greatest passion was quilting. She made hundreds of quilts, many of which were donated to Project Linus and Carol Joy Holling Camp.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, and a brother-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Dale of Omaha; daughters Jodene (Randy) Rouse and Sandra (Steven) Walker, both of Omaha, NE; Julie (Jerry) Yuhas of Lincoln, NE; and Stacy (Rob) Gill of Wasilla, AK. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Shawn (Kate) Rouse, Maddox Yuhas, Kierra Walker, and Axton Gill; her sister Judith (Gerry) Robins; her brother John (Sue) Anderson; and her brother-in-law David (Linda) Finck. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, and her cherished quilting crew will fondly remember Karen and the joyful memories they shared with her.

Services will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 10:00 am at Lord of Love Lutheran Church at 10405 Fort St, Omaha, NE 68134 with visitation on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Roeder Mortuary, located at 2727 N 108th St, Omaha, NE 68164.

Memorials can be directed to Lord of Love Lutheran Church, Omaha, NE or Thabor Luther Church, Wausa, NE.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - 108th Street Chapel 2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000 www.RoederMortuary.com