Karen Lee Jenkins, 87, of Lincoln, NE passed away August 23, 2026. She was born February 22, 1939 in Council Bluffs, IA to Ralph and Agnes (Fitzsimmons) Stephens.
Karen was a member of Calvary Community Church and a regular attender at the Havelock Senior Center.
After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, IA in 1957, Karen went on to receive a diploma from the Omaha School of Commerce then worked as an Air Force Civilian Service Employee. She was married to Howard Jenkins on Dec. 11, 1965, until his passing on March 20, 1996. She worked at the FAA Flight Standards District Office at the Lincoln Municipal Airport for 38 years, retiring in 2008. She enjoyed playing piano and ukulele, as well as singing, especially at church services and in church choirs; most notably The Living Christmas Tree performances at Capitol City Christian Church. She relished family gatherings for holidays and family reunions, as these were when she could be around the laughter and joy of making new memories as well as reliving past ones.
She is survived by her children, Ken (Kris) Jenkins, Kurt Jenkins, Scott (Lori) Jenkins and Brett Jenkins, all of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Jacob (Tanya) Schuetz, of Pawnee City, NE, Zach Schuetz, JR Jenkins, Lupe Jenkins, all of Lincoln, NE, Trent (Jen) Jenkins, Chase (Katie) Jenkins, all of Omaha, NE, Tice (Olya) Jenkins, of Lincoln, NE, Carter Jenkins, Cameron Jenkins, both of Manhattan, KS and Dakota Jenkins, of Lincoln, NE; along with 3 great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Howard and brother, Larry Stephens.
Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Friday, August 28, 2026 at Calvary Community Church, 4400 N. 1st Street, Lincoln, NE.
Inurnment at Fairview Cemetery, Lincoln, NE.
Memorials to Calvary Community Church.