Karen Spilinek

April 15, 1956 - November 23, 2016

Karen Spilinek, 60, of Wichita, KS, formerly of McCook, went on to join her father in His heavenly home on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

She was born on April 15, 1956 to Gerald and Roberta (Schmidt) Spilinek in St. Paul, NE. Karen lived in St. Paul with her family for some time before the family moved to McCook, NE. She graduated from McCook Senior High School in 1974, and attended some college courses after. 

During her school years, Karen worked for her parents’ family business, A&W Drive-In in McCook, and later, at the hose plant. In 1982, Karen joined the United States Marine Corp. She did basic training in Camp Lejeune, NC. She was stationed in Twentynine Palms, CA, Okinawa, Japan, and then back to Twentynine Palms, CA where she was honorably discharged in 1988. During her time served, Karen received a Certificate of Appreciation, a Sea Services Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Mast, Good Conduct Medal, and Certificate of Commendation. After her time in the Marine Corp, Karen returned to McCook where she was an Assistant Manager at Sac’s. She then moved to North Platte, NE where she worked at Wendy’s and Budke Motors. She returned back to McCook to work as a waitress in several different restaurants. Karen then moved to Wichita, KS, where she worked for Via Christi Hospital for 12 years. She pursued a certification as a Nursing Assistant and worked in several different nursing homes. Then, for the last six years, she returned to work at Via Christi Hospital on the oncology unit. 

When Karen was not working, she enjoyed many different hobbies. She loved crocheting, knitting, and quilting. She made many beautiful blankets and quilts for her nieces, nephews, great-niece, and great-nephews. Karen also enjoyed bargain shopping. She always knew where the best deals were and always found things for others. Karen would do anything for anyone; she was always helping those in need. 
Karen is preceded in death by her father, Gerald Spilinek; grandparents, Robert and Frances Schmidt and Anton and Esther Spilinek; step-grandfather, Ed Matousek; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Karen is survived by her mother, Roberta Spilinek of McCook, NE, brothers Gerald Jr. Spilinek and wife Cindy of Wichita, KS, Anton “Tony” Spilinek and wife Beverly of McCook, NE, Wayne Spilinek and wife Mia of Douglas, WY, and Thomas Spilinek of Wichita, KS, nieces and nephews, Mary (Spilinek) Kruse and husband Corey of Lincoln, NE, Kaitlyn (Spilinek) Ash and husband Corey of Ravenna, NE, Sterling Spilinek of Laramie, WY, Kayla (Spilinek) Brooks and husband Derek of Johnston, IA, Stone Spilinek of Laramie, WY, Abagayle Spilinek of Kearney, NE, Jonathon Spilinek of Lincoln, NE, Melisa Spilinek of Lincoln, NE, Gerald III “Morgan” Spilinek of Wichita, KS, and Saylor Spilinek of Douglas, WY, one great-niece, Rylee Ash of Ravenna, NE and two great-nephews, twins Carter and Cole Kruse of Lincoln, NE. 

Visitation will be Thursday, December 1, 2016, with the family, from 5-7pm followed by a Rosary at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in McCook, NE on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 10:30 am. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery with Military Services provided by American Legion Post 203.