Karen Sue Spero

Karen was born on August 8, 1945, in Shattuck, Oklahoma, to Harlie and Euoolis Blundell. She was raised on a farm in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma, alongside her parents and her brother, Jim. Growing up, she developed a strong work ethic, independence, and a love of community—traits that stayed with her throughout her life. During her middle and high school years, she especially loved playing basketball—an early glimpse of her competitive streak and determination.

In January 1964, Karen met Stu Spero at an airman’s club in Oklahoma City—a meeting that quickly turned into a lifelong partnership. As family legend goes, Stu ditched his date to take Karen home. They were married on June 12, 1964, just months after meeting, beginning a marriage that lasted 61 and a half years. Together, they built a life shaped by adventure, resilience, and deep devotion to family.

Karen and Stu welcomed their daughter, Amy, on January 30, 1965. As a military spouse, Karen embraced frequent moves and new experiences with courage and adaptability. She boarded an airplane for the first time with a baby in her arms, moving overseas during the 1960s to be stationed in Turkey amid the Six-Day War. During this time, she also traveled with friends to Beirut, Lebanon, and later enjoyed living in Italy while stationed at Aviano Air Base—experiences that broadened her worldview and fueled her love of people and culture. While in Italy, she was also an avid bowler, famously rolling a perfect 300 game while subbing in a league (without even realizing it), though she would later laugh that she didn’t even break 600 for the series.

After returning to the United States, Karen continued to build a rich and active life. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Park College in Mountain Home, Idaho. Eventually moving to Lincoln, NE, she helped open the Lied Center for Performing Arts, working from the construction phase through its first year—an accomplishment that reflected her strong organizational skills and commitment to the arts.

Karen had a lifelong love of animals and strongly supported the local humane society. She was also deeply drawn to the arts, especially theater, and took great joy in supporting her granddaughter’s involvement in the arts and the broader local arts community.

Family traditions were at the heart of Karen’s happiness. Thanksgiving was sacred to her—a time to gather family around the table and share a meal. Christmas brought her even more joy, from decorating and gift-giving to opening her home to generations of her granddaughter’s friends. What began as college students decorating together grew into married friends, and eventually babies—an ever-expanding circle of the Elf Party that perfectly reflected Karen’s welcoming spirit and love of connection.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Stu Spero; her daughter, Amy (Paul) Jones; and her granddaughter, Caitie (Sam) Ninegar, who was a constant source of pride and joy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harlie and Euoolis Blundell, and her brother, Jim.

Per Karen’s wishes, there will be no formal service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. She will be cremated at Lincoln Memorial and will be laid to rest at Omaha National Cemetery.

Those wishing to honor Karen’s memory are invited to make a donation to the Capital Humane Society, an organization close to her heart.

Mail donations to:

Capital Humane Society

6500 S. 70th Street

Lincoln, NE 68516

Or follow this link for online giving:

https://www.capitalhumanesociety.org/ways-to-give/memorial-and-honor-giving.html

The family would like to thank all those individuals and organizations who were a part of making Karen’s life as long and fulfilling as it was.