Karen L. Schraeder, 72, passed away March 28, 2025, surrounded by family at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kan. She was born on May 16, 1952, in Great Bend, Kan., to William “Bill” and Helen (Langer) Koester. On Oct. 17, 1981, she married Richard Schraeder at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, Kan.

A lifetime Barton County resident, Karen worked as a surgical nurse for CKMC. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick and a member of the Altar Society. Karen was a former member of the Pilot Club. She was an avid gardener, known for her green thumb in the yard with flowers, vegetables, and plants. In her younger years, Karen held a pilot’s license and would fly with Richard.

Survivors include her husband of the home; son, David Schraeder and significant other Melissa Koehn of Great Bend; honorary granddaughter, Paige Koehn of Great Bend; brothers, Duane Koester and wife Janet of Hoisington, Ken Koester and wife Barbara of Great Bend, Ron Koester and wife Betty of Manhattan, and Rick Koester and wife Pam of Hoisington; sister-in-law, Ellen Koester of Topeka; beloved shorkie, Tucker; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Norman Koester.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Interment will follow at Larned Cemetery. Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m., with Altar Society Rosary at 4 p.m., and family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to the Karen Schraeder Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 1, 2025