June 16, 1961, Karen’s parents welcomed her into their family, joining
older brother, Jay, to make the family a four-some. Two younger
brothers, Marlin and Quintin, followed. She was the best sister any
brother could ask for. Karen was the only girl in their family, but was
not intimidated a bit by her brothers. She held her own in any squabble.
While growing up, Karen loved helping her dad on their farm in
Colby, and this continued for the rest of her life. Wheat harvest was
her favorite time. She looked forward to helping each year. Karen never
missed a harvest. Over the years she did it all, whether it was driving a
truck, combine, or grain cart. She orchestrated field moves with very
little down time. The harvest crew was completely spoiled with a hearty
noon hot meal at the field; sandwiches, fruit, and cookies in the late
afternoon; topped off with supper at the house at days’ end. Harvest was
a special time for the entire Flanagin family.
Karen attended the Colby Public Schools, graduating in 1979. An
honor student, Karen enjoyed school, especially her extracurricular
participation in basketball and track. She was the starting point guard
during her sophomore, junior, and senior years, helping to lead the
Colby High School Girl’s Basketball Team to third and fourth place state
finishes during those years. She and her teammates still hold track
records at Colby High School. Karen earned several state track medals.
She ended her high school career as a four-year, three sport letterman.
After high school graduation, besince Karen had always wanted to be a
teacher, she attended Fort Hays State University with that goal in
mind. She earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education
with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, and obtained her teacher
certification in 1983. Karen taught first grade for 37 years and found
great joy in watching her students’ progress through the years. Her
classroom was a gathering place for fellow teachers after school each
day. She made time to listen, offer comfort, and wise counsel.
While at Fort Hays, Karen shared a dorm room with Resi Gustafson,
who is Tim’s cousin. Resi and Tim’s sister, Tammy, thought Karen and Tim
should meet. Well, it turned out, they were great matchmakers, as Tim
and Karen were married in 1983, making their home in Bogue. To this
union two amazing sons were born: Zach in 1988 and Seth in 1990. Karen
loved her family and was extremely proud of her two boys.
Daughter-in-law, Lindsey, and future daughter-in-law, Jori, both held
special places in her heart. Her grandson Miles arrived at just the
right time! He blessed her with smiles, hugs, and just lately, voiced
words that only a grandma could understand. Karen also enjoyed cooking
and trying out new recipes, often experimenting when she had her family
over for a meal. Then she would preface the meal by explaining, “This is
a new recipe. I hope it’s good.”
Karen was very active in the Bogue United Methodist Church, serving
on various committees and as the education director. She taught Sunday
School for more years than we can remember. Karen was civic minded, too.
She was extremely involved in her community, overseeing many
improvement projects in Bogue, and was a member of the Bogue City
Council. At the time of her death Karen was serving as Bogue’s Mayor.
Proverbs 31:10-31 describes a woman of strong character, great
wisdom, many skills, and great compassion. Karen fit this description to
a “T”.
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