Karen M. Wilber, 80, of Belleville, KS, was born March 23, 1945 in Hebron, NE the daughter of Richard and Helen (Rahjes) Harms and she passed away on May 9, 2025 at the Park Villa Nursing Home, Clyde, Kansas.
Karen grew up on the family farm northwest of Chester, NE where she attended rural school until transferring to Chester schools, graduating with the class of 1963,
Karen was baptized April 22, 1945 and confirmed March 22, 1959 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Byron, NE. Karen's faith was very important to her and she made sure it was always part of her family's lives. On January 10, 1965, she was united in marriage to Harold Wilber and to his union one son, David, was born. The couple made their home the majority of their life in Republic County.
Even at a young age, Karen loved to sew, making clothes for herself and others. That led to her being employed at Scott Specialties where she retired after 38 years. She also enjoyed quilting, joining a group of ladies at Scandia, KS to make quilts for disabled veterans and others.
Karen taught children's bible school, vacation bible school, and joined and taught adult bible study at American Lutheran Church in Belleville. She later joined community bible studies where she made many new friends.
Karen was a member of the W.W.W. Club, Friends of the Belleville Public Library, and worked at the Red Cross Blood Drive for a number of years. Karen enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. Karen was a great hostess and cook and loved to do for others. She also loved to bake cakes, cookies and treats for David, Harold and friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Helen Harms.
She is survived by her loving husband, Harold Wilber of Belleville, KS; Son, David Wilber of rural Belleville, KS; brother, Robert (Jeanette) Harms of Hebron, NE; sister, Geraldine (Ron) Sabata of Lincoln, NE; other relatives, and many friends she made over the years. Her smile and love of people will be missed.
Cremation was selected and Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Central Christian Church, Belleville, Kansas with Pastor Kathy Aeillo and Pastor Seth Follmer, officiating.
Inurnment will follow the services at the Belleville Cemetery, Belleville, KS.
Friends may sign the register book from 1 PM until 6 PM, Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home. The family will not be present.
Memorials are suggested to the Meadowlark Hospice or the Belleville Public Library and may be left at the funeral home.
Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com