Karen Sue Waechter, 69, went to be with the Lord on the evening of January 29, surrounded by the family she deeply loved.
Born to Duane and Wanda Weatherred in Lamar, Colo., she enjoyed a love-filled home with six siblings: Don, Judy, Barbara, Jim, Rick, and Mike. Through their support, she became a graduate of Deerfield High School and Garden City Community College. She also devoted herself to Christ and served actively as a member of the Deerfield Methodist Church for more than 53 years.
She married the love of her life, Lyle Waechter of Lakin, in May of 1980. They were blessed with two sons: Trevor and Drew, who were the pride of her heart. She enjoyed a busy life assisting with the family farm and raising her sons. Her days were spent working cattle, participating in harvest, driving tractors, tending to livestock, and supporting her sons in their school activities.
Alongside her time on the farm, Karen held secretary positions at the Finney County Extension Office and the Family Practice Doctor's Office in Garden City. She later started Sunflower Billing, offering billing support for her brother’s business.
Karen will be remembered for her creativity and her kind, gentle heart — sharing her talents with her community and church family. With a keen eye for detail, she designed and created banners for her church and various crafts for friends and family. She found lasting friendships serving on various church committees and through many after-church Sunday lunches at KJK Country Corner. Karen also shared her time with Kearny County 4-H, serving as a past project and club leader and volunteering to assist with the County Fair.
In rare quiet moments, Karen found joy sharing laughs with family and being outdoors. She loved playing board and card games, gardening, riding through pastures, catching up and making bierocks at family reunions in the mountains, and watching sunsets. For Karen, there was no greater joy than time spent with family and finding ways to make each moment special.
Karen is survived by her husband, Lyle Waechter, Lakin, and her sons: Trevor (Dr. Michael Dunlap), Tulsa, Okla., and Drew, Ulysses. Siblings: Don Springer, Lamar, Colo., Judy (Allen) Banek, Aurora, Colo., Barbara (Jim) Jarboe, Lakin, Richard (Kathy) Weatherred, Deerfield, Michael (Lesa) Weatherred of Kansas City, MO; sister-in-law, Diana Weatherred, Loveland, Colo.; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Duane and Wanda Weatherred; sibling, James Weatherred; brother-in-law, John Koszewski; and nephew, Caleb Koszewski.
A Celebration of Karen’s life took place at 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 13, at Deerfield Methodist Church in Deerfield, Kan., with Pastor Greg Fletcher officiating. The service may also be viewed on Facebook Live on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page.
Burial followed at the Lakin Cemetery in Lakin, Kan.
The family suggest memorials be given to Deerfield Methodist Church or to the Kearny County Ministerial Alliance, both in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N. 7th St., Garden City, Kansas. 67846.
Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.
