Karlynn Kay Brookhart Fabrizius Yanke, 85, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on October 31, 2021, of a short illness not related to Covid. Karlynn was born in WaKeeney, Kansas on April 25, 1936. She graduated from Ellis High School and continued on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University.
Karlynn was united in marriage to Elvin Carl Fabrizius on August 17, 1958, and they were married 26 years. He preceded her in death on October 27, 1984. Karlynn was united in marriage to Albert Ray Yanke on November 18, 2000. He survives of the home. She worked as an educator for 12 years from 1973-1985 for USD 208. Karlynn worked the rest of her career as a bookkeeper for the following; Trego County Implement, Trogstad Accounting, TWI & Dietz Insurance and Deines Construction. She enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren, especially watching them in their sports and musical events. Karlynn loved outings such as the Botanical Gardens and zoos with her family. She enjoyed music and reading. In the last several years she really enjoyed taking wildlife rides in the country. She loved KU and WSU basketball, and Oklahoma State and Kansas State sports due to her grandchildren’s interests.
Karlynn played the organ for 55 years for Zion Lutheran Church and also accompanied the church choir. Karlynn also enjoyed playing the piano for the residents in the Long Term Care. She was a member of PEO, Zion WELCA, Friday Bridge Club, Birthday Club, and Monday Lunch Bunch. She was a former member of Harmony Club, The Entertainers-a musical performance group Literary Club, and Library Board. Karlynn was a Trego Hospital Foundation Board member for 21 years.
Karlynn is survived by Albert Yanke of the home, Alana Kasparek of Oskaloosa, Kansas, Alan Fabrizius and wife Laura of Wilson, Kansas, Amy Wilson and husband Keith of Riverton, Kansas, Ayn Wilson and husband Pat of Wichita, Kansas, Basil Yanke and wife Dea of Atchison, Kansas, Gretchen Hafliger and husband Fred of WaKeeney, Kansas. Karlynn is survived by her grandchildren; Joseph Kasparek (fiancé Bronte’), Kaitlin Robben (James), Sheridan Fabrizius (fiancé Tom), Grayson Fabrizius (fiancé Brooke), Brooklyn Crawford (Caleb), Hayden Wilson, Rachel Wilson, Abigail Wilson, Isaac Wilson (fiancé Lauren), Daniel Wilson, David Wilson, Ksusha Peeples, Riley Yanke, Keegan Yanke, Tyler Hafliger (Stephanie), Beth Hafliger, Matthew Hafliger. She is survived by her great grandchildren Jemma Hafliger, Kayden Hafliger, Chasey Wasinger, and Adaline Robben, and other family and friends.
Karlynn was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Gertrude, her first husband, Elvin, brother and sister-in-law, Lary and Donna Brookhart, grandson Christopher Kasparek, and great-grandson Liam Kasparek.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 6, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church. John Anderson of Zion Lutheran Church will be officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Cemetery at Trego Center south of WaKeeney, Kansas.
Visitation will be Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers (if desired), memorial contributions are suggested to Shriner’s Hospital for Children in St. Louis, Zion Lutheran Church, or Trego Hospital Foundation and may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.