Karen E. Liptak

Karen E. (Ryan) Liptak
Bellevue, NE - New Hartford
Karen Elizabeth (Ryan) Liptak, 38, passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2010, in Bellevue, Nebraska, with her family by her side. She was born February 26, 1971, in Utica. A 1989 graduate of New Hartford High School, she continued her education at M.V.C.C., with a 2 year degree in Medicine and Nursing. On December 18, 1993, she married Andrew K. Liptak and moved to Minot AFB, ND. Karen continued her education at Minot State College and studied early childhood education. She then became a childcare provider and was named "1997 Air Force Childcare Provider of the Month". Karen was of the Methodist faith, was active in the MYF youth group and choir. As she grew older, she studied the beliefs of many denominations, developing a deep, personal faith in God. Karen was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister. She loved helping people and was a dedicated volunteer for many military family activities. Karen was also a very active bowler. She started early, winning many awards and city championships as a Junior Bowler. Karen was a C-O-L and Section III All-star, winning medals at Nationals, and was a two time NJCAA All American. She competed successfully against some of the most outstanding, nationally ranked collegiate women bowlers. Karen is survived by her husband, Andrew, and daughter, Arielle, Bellevue, NE; father, Lawrence & wife, Linda Ryan, Holland Patent; mother, Mary Ann & husband, John Rudwall, New Hartford; sister, Lauren & husband, Jimmy Rico, Billerica, MA; brother, Michael & wife, Tina Ryan, New Hartford; step-sisters, Denise & husband, Steve Nicholson, Belle Isle, FL, Melissa & husband, Anthony Chiffy, New Hartford, Melissa & husband, Joseph Paul, Oneida, Kristina & husband, Andrew Kinne, Vernon; grandmother, Elwilma Becker, Merrimack, NH; godmother, Carol Pokon, Utica; goddaughter, Adrianna Ryan; and nieces and nephews, Mikayla Ryan, Morgan (Maggie) and Nicholas Rico. Karen was laid to rest on February 1, 2010, in Bellevue, NE. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on February 13, 2010, at Stittville United Methodist Church, 9066 Main Street, Stittville, NY 13469. In lieu of flowers, please consider an education fund that has been established in Arielle's name. There will be envelopes available at the church or send to c/o Arielle K. Liptak, 5 Gary Ave., New Hartford, NY 13413.
Karen Liptak