Karen L. Peroutka

PEROUTKA, Karen L. 12/28/1941 – 10/14/2020 “The Wizard of Oz” taught us that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others. For Karen Peroutka, both were true. Love and generosity were Karen’s gifts, her language and her currency. Birthdays meant receiving not just a handwritten card, but also a folded, handwritten letter within the card. Christmases meant exquisitely wrapped gifts - so beautifully presented, at times you didn’t even want to open them. And then there were the Christmas cookies. Platter after platter of several varieties of made from scratch, fully decorated Christmas cookies, which Karen would tirelessly prepare for her family’s Christmas gathering every holiday season. Karen made sure we knew that she loved us all, and she showed us throughout each year, but especially during the holidays. Upon her death on Tuesday, the world has lost one of the most loving and generous hearts it has ever known. Our lives will never be the same in her absence, but through Karen’s love and Karen’s gifts, we remember a woman who showed us through her unending generosity just what it means to love and be loved. Karen was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Irene Lamb, her brother Ronald Lamb, and her nephew Scot Thompson. She is survived by her loving children Anna (Frank Castelli) and Richard, who were the whole world to Karen. She is also survived by Jeanie Gilmore who was not only Karen’s sister but her lifelong and best friend. Always close to her brother Gary Lamb (Chris Pace), the relationship took on new depth in the later years of Karen’s life when Gary assumed the role of Karen’s advocate, handyman, and all around protector in addition to being her little brother. Karen’s spirit will always be a part of the lives of her nieces and nephews Kimberly Cassey (Dan), Michael Gilmore (Tanya), Ryan Kenny, Kelly Lamb (Jason Kelley), and Matthew Lamb (Kristina). Karen was a loving presence in the lives of her grandchildren Frank, Anastasia and Nicolette Castelli. Also mourning the loss of Karen are her ex-husband George Peroutka, loving friend Robin Owens, sister-in-law Nancy Kenny and the many people Karen knew during her lifetime, all of whom became her friends. Gathering of family and friends: Sunday October 18, 2020 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, with sharing of memories at 3:15, all at Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family for future designation. Gathering of Family & Friends: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020 from 2-4:00pm, with sharing of memories at 3:15pm, all at Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) 1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE68114 402-391-2171