Emma Lou Mabry was born in Omaha, Nebraska on February 16, 1937 to John and Dorothy Mabry. She was the youngest of four children. Em attended John Adams Elementary. During her high school years, she attended Benson High School where she became a Benson Bunny. Post high school, she attended UNO for a couple of years before moving onto a job at Mutual of Omaha.
Em met Dale Karloff at the Douglas County Fair. They eloped and then had their formal wedding on June 14, 1958. They were married for 52 years. Em and Dale enjoyed traveling the world together and experiencing new adventures. They enjoyed each others company and loved spending their winters down in Edinburg, Texas where they made many long lasting and cherished friendships.
Em’s hobbies and past times included sewing, crafts, and her ever beautiful flower gardens that she would plant. Her flower gardens were her passion. She also loved spending time with her kids, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. Em was an active member of Daughters of the Nile and the VFW Auxiliary. Em enjoyed spending time at the VFW and volunteering her time there as well. Em developed dementia about 6 years ago after a fall which fractured her hip. She was very spunky and feisty in the nursing home where all the staff loved her.
Em is preceded in death by her beloved husband Dale; father and mother, John and Dorothy Mabry; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed and Edna Karloff; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Art Patow; and brother, Howard Mabry.
Happy for sharing her life are her brother, John (Judy) Mabry; son Brett Karloff of Omaha, daughter Tammy (Todd) Laube of Sioux Falls, SD and Julie Karloff of Lincoln; faithful dog Izzy; six grandchildren, Stephanie (Brandon) Long, Michelle (Jeremy) James, Jourdon Andersen, Laurenne (Joe) McGill, Brett Karloff, and Emily (Lance) Nyffeler; great grandchildren, Rilee, Holden, Charolette, Neveah, Evelyn, Mason, Saige, Avery, Cora Lou, and Veronica; brother-in-law, Dennis (Jackie) Karloff; sister-in-law, Kay (Jim) Kahler; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
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