Karen Bivens, 82, of Kimball, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025. Cremation has been held, and memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kimball with Pastor Ellery Steffensen officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Kimball Cemetery. Friends may visit www.cantrellfh.com to share memories and condolences with Karen’s family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kimball Library, Kimball Historical Society or St. John’s Lutheran Church. The services for Karen have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Karen Ann Bivens was born on May 30, 1942, in Sterling, Colorado, to loving parents William and Virginia (Pickle) Ogley. She graduated from Sterling High School in 1960 and began her career as a nurse’s aide, serving patients in Sterling with care and compassion.
She met the love of her life, Dale Bivens, on a blind date, and they were married on November 22, 1962, in Sterling. In 1964, the couple moved to Sidney and then later to Kimball, Nebraska, where Karen dedicated herself to creating a warm home for her family. In 1971, she resumed her career, working at the Kimball County Manor as a nurse’s aide for over 30 years. Her work touched countless lives in the community, and her kind, nurturing spirit left a lasting legacy.
Karen loved to explore the world, embarking on adventures to England, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Her passion for genealogy allowed her to connect with her family’s history and heritage. A vibrant member of the Kimball community, Karen enjoyed her time with the Red Hatters, cherishing the friendships and fun they shared.
Karen’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and service to others. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Survivors include her daughter Anna (Allen) Hansen of Minatare, NE; grandchildren Randi Hansen of Minatare, NE., and Katie (Erik) Warner and their children August and Emile Warner of Sioux City, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons Joe Bivens and Glen Bivens and a brother Spike Ogley.
