Charlene A Kabat

Char married her soulmate, Anthony “Tony” Kabat, on April 23, 1980, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and service to others.

Char operated an in-home daycare for 17 years before becoming a devoted paraeducator at Campbell Elementary School, where she worked from 1995 until her retirement in 2018. She loved working with children, and nothing brought her more joy than seeing their smiles each day.

Outside of work, Char continued to bring joy to young hearts as “Rosie the Clown,” and alongside Tony, as “Santa and Mrs. Claus” during the holiday season. She also held a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo and taught Taekwondo to others.

One of Char’s favorite traditions was dancing in the rain—a joyful ritual she lovingly passed down to her granddaughter, Avalynn.

Anyone blessed to know Char will remember her as one of the kindest, most genuine souls to ever walk this earth. Her warmth, humor, and compassion touched everyone she met.

Char is survived by her children, Dustin Kabat and Jason (Brittany) Kabat; her beloved granddaughter, Avalynn; her sisters, Theresa Ann Burns and Katherine Lou Burns Sissel; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Reece, Amaya, Talon, Dane, Linley, and Jayce; her dear friends, Sandy and Ray Turek; and her faithful dogs, Dolly Mae and Rosie Sue.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Burns; her loving husband, Anthony Kabat; her nieces, Ashley Sissel and Jessica Sissel Rinaker; and her brother at heart, Darroll Sissel.

Char’s life was a beautiful example of love, laughter, and kindness.

Her memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, located at 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68512. The service is scheduled for November 7, 2025, at 2:00 pm.