Karen (Verno) Kramer, 74, of rural Crab Orchard, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023 at Beatrice Health and Rehab.  She was born on March 26, 1949 in Beatrice to Jim and Thelma Verno.  Karen lived in Blue Springs before moving to Beatrice where she lived most of her early life. In 1996 she married Randy Kramer and they lived in Crab Orchard.  She attended Beatrice Public Schools, graduating from Beatrice High School in 1967.  She then attended Lincoln School of Commerce studying office management.  Karen worked in the rehabilitation department at Beatrice State Developmental Center before moving to the job she held for over 38 years.  This long employment began as a school bus driver in 1978.  Later she became the driver trainer and worked her way up to the manager position in 1991.  She continued as manager until her retirement in 2015.  Karen enjoyed working with the students, parents, other bus employees, and all the school administration.  She was also a Level I and Level II instructor for the State of Nebraska and a longtime member of the Nebraska School Transportation Association.  Karen was an avid reader, loved to travel, and enjoyed going to the movies, especially with her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed making cards for people and sending her “crisscross” letters to friends who had the time to figure out the solutions. 

                Survivors include her husband, Randy Kramer of Crab Orchard; two daughters, Monica (Brian) Knobel of Beatrice and Jaime Vicars of Lincoln; grandsons, Trent (Jen) Beach, Deven Vicars and special friend, Morgan of Lincoln, and August Knobel of Beatrice; granddaughters, Jacey (Valley) Vanderhoof of Jefferson, AR and Bethany Vicars of Lincoln; great-grandsons, Carter Beach of Lincoln, Carson Beach of Beatrice, and Remington and Cash Vanderhoof of Jefferson, AR; sister-in-law, Jacinta Kramer of Crab Orchard; niece, Margaret Kramer and special friend, Matt of Aurora, IL; many friends she made over the last 60 years.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kristin “Kris” Woodyard; grandson, Andrew Beach; parents, Jim and Thelma (Koch) Verno; infant brother, Kenneth Verno; step-father, Clarence Knaak; brother-in-law, Ron Kramer; niece, Elizabeth Kramer; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

                At Karen’s request there will be no viewing, cremation has taken place.  Graveside inurnment of the cremains will be on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the Crab Orchard Cemetery with Pastor Doris Martin officiating.   www.foxfuneralhome.net  Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.