Karen Ann Reiss

December 14, 1944 - August 22, 2016

KAREN ANN REISS, 71 of Brule, passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 at the Ogallala Community Hospital. Karen was born December 14, 1944 in Big Springs, Nebraska to Raymond and Evelyn (Lempke) Radke. She graduated from Big Springs High School. On February 4, 1966, Karen married William "Richard" Reiss in Julesburg, CO. The couple made their home in Ogallala for several years before eventually moving to Brule in 1985. Their union was blessed with 2 children, Tammy and Kevin. Karen had worked in insurance for a number of years, having served the surrounding communities through Mitchell Insurance, Haggard Realty and Platte Valley Agency which later merged with Western Insurors. She was a hard worker who was dedicated to her clients, and only recently slowed her schedule down to a 3-day work week. Despite Karen's busy career, she was also the matriarch and backbone of her family. She was a woman of devout faith, which was something that she encouraged and cultivated in not only her children, but her grandchildren. As a mother, wife and Catholic, she tried to live her life with a spirit of humility, forgiveness and Christian obedience. Karen will be sorely missed by family and friends alike. Karen loved to cook & bake and was widely known to make irresistible pies. Her confectionary talents became the driving force behind many of her grandchildren's various school related fundraising activities. She also loved to garden and spend time outside. Karen was in her element throughout the Christmas Season, which was her favorite. Her family has many fond memories of family gatherings with the underpinnings of what made Karen so special, her great love and humor, her amazing food and her love for God. Karen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ernie; an infant brother, Rodney; and sister-in-law, Brenda Radke. Survivors include her husband, Richard Reiss of Brule; children, Tammy (John) Sherman of Chappell, Kevin (Cindy) Reiss of Ogallala; grandchildren, Greg and Jeff Sherman, Mara (Cole) Peters and Trevor Reiss; and 1 great grandchild on the way; siblings, Robert (Ruth) Radke of Lewellen; Loren (Chantal) Radke of Northglenn, CO, Vern (Marge) Radke of Chappell, Dorothy Radke of Colo. Springs, CO, Janet (Walter) Strasser of Holyoke, CO, Dennis Radke of Bridgeport, Barb (Larry) Davis of Valentine, Kenny (Brenda) Radke of Big Springs; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in Karen's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Fr. Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Ogallala Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. A Rosary and Christian Wake Service will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.