Karen Kay (Dissmeyer) Beecher was born on June 24, 1944 in Beatrice, Nebraska, the daughter of August Herman and Frauka Katherina (Baumfalk) Dissmeyer. Karen entered into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at her home.

Karen's early years were spent in the Holmesville and Wymore, Nebraska area. She attended school in Holmesville and graduated from Holmesville High School with the Class of 1962. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she received her Bachelors Degree in Education in May of 1966. Upon college graduation she was united in marriage to Larry Alan Beecher on June 18, 1966 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wymore, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Elmwood and later moved to Shenandoah in the early 70's.

During her working years Karen taught school in Nehawka before starting her family. Being a good and loving mother was of great importance to her. It was this reason, while her children were young she took time off of her career to be a wonderful stay at home mom. When the children grew older she began substitute teaching in Shenandoah. For the past 22 years she has been employed by Edward Jones as a Business Office Associate, a job she truly loved. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Shenandoah and the Shenandoah Historical Society where she served as a volunteer and was a board member.

Karen had a passion for gardening, animals, reading, and listening to Barry Manilow. All of her family members were in for a special treat when she would make her famous spaghetti and meatballs. Karen was a kind and compassionate woman who walked this earth with grace and dignity.

Those welcoming her into heaven were her beloved husband Larry, her parents, a brother Harold Dissmeyer, and a sister Shirley Stewart.

She is survived and loved by her children Dan Beecher and wife Mitsi and Cheryl Johnson and husband Kory; a granddaughter Nikki Beecher; brother Virgil Dissmeyer and wife Gerry; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.


Memorials may be directed to the family or People For Paws.