With saddened hearts and teary eyes, Karen Rose Beranek was called home by God on Nov. 25, 2022.
Karen was born in Omaha on Feb. 16, 1945, to Carl, Sr., and Lola Mackeprang. She was the second oldest of six children, Carl Mackeprang, Jr. (Gail), Mavin Mackeprang (JoAnn), Marvin Mackeprang (Laura), Gwen Kalkwarf (Bill), and Clarence “Gary” Mackeprang (Sally). Karen moved to a small farm outside of Ceresco when she was young. She graduated from Raymond Central High School, formerly (Ceresco High School). After high school, she pursued schooling in secretarial work. However, like many things in life, secretarial work wasn't meant to be. So, Karen tried several different career paths before landing work at Goodyear in Lincoln.
She met Bill Beranek and they were married Oct. 31, 1970. After many years working at Goodyear, Karen retired due to a latex allergy. During that time, her husband passed, giving Karen the opportunity to be closer to nature. She bought an acreage north of Pleasant Dale. Karen worked at several more jobs, Duncan Aviation as a courier, Farmland as a security guard and finally hung up the working gloves at Walmart in 2011. This gave Karen an opening to return to her family’s farm and assist with her mother, Lola.
Karen was always offering a helping hand with her family. From taking care of her many nieces and nephews, to offering any aid she could to her brothers and sisters, Karen had a kind heart, even if she was a little stubborn. When Karen wasn't working or helping her family, she loved to be in nature. She loved to watch birds, take care of her cattle and loved her many dogs and cats that she had at her acreage in Raymond and then at Mackeprang Farm. She had one dog, Candy, that Karen would tell many funny stories about.
She had a love for classic rock and would always want CCR, AC/DC or Bob Seger on the radio. She would talk fondly of her brothers and sister throughout her life. She loved going with her sister, Gwen, on many shopping trips to flea markets or out to dinners. She enjoyed spending time with Gary and his family at their home in Ceresco and then Louisville and the many visits with Marion and family. Finally, Karen enjoyed traveling to Tucson, Arizona, to see her favorite Aunt Marcia Schmeling.
In 2018, Karen's health started to take a downfall after developing cancer. She finally gave up living alone and stayed with her nephew, Joshua, his wife, Amber, and their children. With her current family, she was able to enjoy the twilight years doing the one thing she truly enjoyed, helping take care of nieces and nephews.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Carl, Sr., and Lola Mackeprang; husband, Bill Beranek; brothers, Carl, Jr., and Marvin Mackeprang; sister-in-law, Gail (Ivins) Mackeprang; and niece, Sarah Esquell (Mackeprang).
Karen is survived by her brothers, Marion (Laura) Mackeprang, Clarence (Sally) Mackeprang; sister, Gwen (Bill) Kalkwarf; aunt, Marcia Schmeling and many of her cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
The funeral service was Dec. 2. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.kunclfh.com.
