Memorials › Karen Ruth Rice Gigstad
Karen Ruth Rice Gigstad
2 Nov 1944 – 9 Dec 2017
| Birth | 2 Nov 1944 |
| Death | 9 Dec 2017 |
| Cemetery | Columbus Cemetery Columbus , Platte County , Nebraska , USA |
| Added by | Diane M Anderson on 05 Sep 2023 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/186119668 |
Bio
Karen Ruth (Rice) Gigstad, 73 November 2, 1944 ~ December 9, 2017 Karen Ruth Gigstad was born Nov. 2, 1944, in Columbus, Nebraska to Robert and Lucille (Louis) Rice. She grew up in Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School in 1963. She then attended Midland Lutheran College. On Sept. 15, 1963, Karen was united in marriage to Ken Gigstad in Columbus. They were blessed with two children. Karen worked as a para-educator in special education for 20 years at Columbus High School and at Arbor Park Middle School in Blair. Karen worked 20 years as a volunteer for the Special Olympics. She was on the Board of Directors at the Rainbow Center, a lay minister, confirmation teacher, and a Sunday School teacher. Karen was also a Boy Scout leader, and a Parent Teachers Organization president. She enjoyed reading, traveling, playing cards, board games, and giving swim lessons. She treasured every minute with her grandchildren and thanked God every day for the privilege of living in America. Karen was appointed by the Governor of Iowa to represent the state at the National Council of Drug Free Youth in Washington, D.C. where she was personally given an award from President Ronald Reagan. Karen Gigstad, 73, of Blair died, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Blair. Left with memories are children: Karlyn (Darnell) Huppert of Blair, Nebraska; son, Jeff (Ann) Gigstad of Red Oak, Iowa; grandchildren: Allison Huppert and Landon Gigstad; brothers: Philip (Melissa) Rice, Ronald Rice and Donald Rice; brother-in-law, Steve Allen; sisters-in-law, Elaine Sacco, Karleen (Bill) Brown and Betty Jo (Gary) Hilferty; very special friends: Michael Stepanek of Norfolk, Nebraska; Michalee Hodge of Lincoln, Nebraska and her Good Shepherd Lutheran Home family in Blair. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Lucille Rice; husband, Ken Gigstad; in-laws Pastor Karl and Arleen Gigstad; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. The funeral service will be Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Blair with Pastor Pam Ciulla conducting the service, and offering words of comfort. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. In Loving Memory of Karen Gigstad Born Thursday, November 2, 1944 Columbus, Nebraska; Entered Into Rest Saturday, December 9, 2017 Blair, Nebraska. Service Saturday, December 16, 2017 11:00 am First Lutheran Church, Blair, Nebraska. Officiating: Pastor Pam Ciulla. Music: Doris Cooksey—“Oh Master Let Me Walk With You”, “He Leadeth Me Oh Blessed Thought”, “How Great Thou Art”. Private family interment: Columbus Cemetery, Columbus, Nebraska Memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church or the Special Olympics of Nebraska. Gass Haney Funeral Home in service to the family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ from obituary printed in the December 15, 2017 Enterprise, Blair, Nebraska, funeral leaflet, and courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping and leaflet on file at the Blair Public Library. Tributes below courtesy of Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, Nebraska ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aunt Karen was such a loving, caring individual. She is one of the people I have long said I would like to be “just like her”. Rest in peace and know that there are many who love you. Until we meet again..—Barb Rice, Columbus, Ohio So sorry that you’ve lost your Mom so close to your Dad, Jeff, but two Xmas angels to watch over you and your families. Always remember your Mom in Daryl’s story with the special needs kids. Bless you and your family.—Daryl and Darlene Schwarting, Columbus, Nebraska Take comfort in knowing there will be a new star as Heaven gains another angel and your folks will share Christmas together. What a wonderful lady that cared so deeply for others. She was an advocate for people with disabilities and was a major part of Rainbow Center for almost 30 years. She helped people with no expectations of reward. What a wonderful role model. Blessings on you all.—Tom & Deb Meek, Columbus, Nebraska
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