Karen L. Shantz

Karen L. (Hoisington) Shantz, age 43 of Cozad, passed away August 23, 2014 at Cozad Community Hospital. Karen was born July 19, 1971 at Anaheim, California to Howard and Darlene (Pugh) Hoisington. The family eventually moved to Cozad, Nebraska where Karen graduated from Cozad High School. Following graduation, she attended Central Community College. Karen was blessed with a daughter, Alyssa, who was her pride and joy. In 2003 Karen became friends with Steven Shantz. They mainly communicated back and forth by computer and soon started dating. On April 8, 2004, Karen and Steven were married in Lexington, Nebraska. Karen worked at various establishments in the Cozad and Lexington areas. She and Steven and Alyssa eventually moved to Paragould, AR following the closing of the Tennaco Automotive plant in Cozad. They came back to Nebraska when Karen's health started to decline. Karen cherished time spent with her family and enjoyed her role as a Girl Scout leader for her daughter's Troop. She was an excellent fisherman, however, she did not like cleaning her catch. She was also quite the mechanic and could fix just about anything. Karen was a loving and devoted wife and mother, and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Karen is survived by her husband, Steven; daughter Alyssa Hoisington; brother Bill Hoisington of Lexington; 2 sisters, Janene Cook of Arkansas and Lisa Wilson of Omaha. Graveside services will be held Friday, August 29, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell with Rev. Dennis Leitner officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.