Karen A. Haubensak

HAUBENSAK, Karen A. March 11, 1967 ~ August 4, 2018 Karen Ann Haubensak was born March 11, 1967 in Omaha, Nebraska to Richard and Kathie (Wiese) Haubensak. She had three siblings: Heidi, James and Leah. She was baptized as an infant at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and confirmed at Divine Shepherd. Karen graduated from UNO with an education degree in 1989 and from Denver Paralegal Institute in 1997. Karen was diagnosed in 2005 with a very rare adrenal tumor called pheochromocytoma. In 2012 it had spread to multiple organs. She fought hard with various conventional and alternative therapies. Karen's resolve and strength was hidden from most as she dealt with surges of adrenaline that caused blood pressure spikes exceeding 300 followed by dips below 100. Karen always had a gift with kids, and she was beloved by her nieces and nephews. At any family gathering she could be counted on to have a “goodie bag” ready to keep the kids entertained - from books to games to snacks and the coveted “invisible ink” activity books. She was usually better prepared than the parents. Everyone looked forward to the care packages Karen would send for birthdays and holidays, always carefully selected items that she thought they would enjoy. Few people enjoyed reading more than Karen. She would devour books, especially mysteries, thrillers and true crime stories. As a child if she lost her bookmark she was famous for just starting the book over from the beginning. She was also amazing at predicting the outcome of a movie. She had an uncanny knack for figuring out the plot twists long before the rest of the audience. Karen was such a kind, gentle soul. She always put others before herself, making meals and serving the sick even during her own battles. Karen especially loved being a caregiver and companion for her dear Aunt Ellen. She had such a fun sense of humor and a sharp wit and her letters were full of funny memories that would make you laugh out loud. She loved to travel and enjoyed trips to the Caribbean and to Alaska with friends. In 2015 her nephew Nate was married in Big Sur, California. Karen was so excited she found a tent she could set up on her own and did a solo road trip, stopping in National parks all the way to the wedding. Karen loved Jesus and faithfully served him for many years as a Sunday school teacher and later on the altar guild. She enjoyed her weekly bible study and the supportive friendships from the ladies in her group. Karen is preceded in death by her father, Richard. Surviving her are her mother, Kathie; loving siblings, Heidi (Ken) Kantor of Colorado, James (Carrie) Haubensak of Springfield and Leah (Dan) Pedersen of Illinois; eight precious nieces and nephews, Nate (Megan) Kantor, Nick (Erin) Kantor, Rose Kantor, Raelyn, Meredith and Anna Haubensak, Amelia and Henry Pedersen; Aunt Ellen Haubensak, Uncle Robert (Carolyn) Wiese; special cousins, Susan (Mark) McKenzie, Teresa (Kevin) Keyes, Tiffany (Mike) Herzog, Jon (Lindsey) Wiese, Frauke Preuss of Hamburg, Germany and countless friends. Memorials may be directed to Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church or the Open Door Mission.