Karen Ruth Schmidt

Karen Hanrahan Schmidt, born July 30, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on July 4, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska, surrounded by the family she cherished. Karen lived with an unmistakable spirit; joyful, generous, and boldly herself in every moment. She celebrated life with honesty, humor, and a forthright nature that made her unforgettable.

You always knew where you stood with Karen. Her directness was a force; clear, unapologetic, and rooted in deep care. Karen was kind and generous, and she refused to let anyone suffer.

Karen faced numerous health challenges over the years, meeting each one with strength, resilience, and a stubborn determination that taught everyone around her what it meant not just to survive, but to thrive.

Karen was married to her husband, Mark Schmidt, for 51 years, a partnership built on devotion, humor, perseverance, deep love and mutual respect.

She is survived by her three daughters, Melissa (Jim), Heidi (Todd), and Erin (Franklin); her seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren; her three sisters and one brother; and, as she would proudly say, countless in laws who were family to her in every way that mattered.

Her legacy is one of joy, resilience, honesty, and wholeheartedly living a life that touched many and will continue to shine.

Karen’s life was full of connection, courage, humor, and a spirit that lifted others. Her light remains, carried forward by everyone she knew and knew her.