Karen Kaye Brand, 76, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at Clara Barton Medical Center in Hoisington, Kan. She was born on May 23, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa, to George and Bernice (Brandemuhl) Lunz. She was united in marriage to Jerry Lee Brand on May 26, 1968, in Martinsburg, Neb.
Karen was a vibrant, outgoing, and fun-loving soul—truly a social butterfly who never met a stranger. Her joyful spirit shone through in everything she did, and her sense of humor was infectious. Just last Halloween, at 76 years old, she delighted everyone by dressing up as Snow White, proving that age was just a number in her book.
She had a gift for making people feel special, always keeping mints in her room for guests and remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions with heartfelt cards. Whether it was a sympathy note or a birthday greeting, her thoughtfulness never wavered.
Karen’s love for flowers was unmatched. She carefully tended to her plants, often chatting with them as she cared for them, and at any given time, she had at least ten brightening up her home. She had an eye for decorating and took great pride in her collection of knickknacks, which she frequently rearranged to keep things fresh. Ever independent, she once went to great lengths to hide a friend’s missing ladder in her bathtub, concealing it behind the shower curtain so no one could stop her from redecorating on her own.
Karen adored playing bingo—not just for the game itself, but for the prizes, which often added to her beloved collection of stuffed animals and tchotchke. Another creative outlet she cherished was coloring. With markers and colored pencils, she meticulously crafted beautiful and intricate designs, always gifting her creations to those she cared about.
She lived at Country Place Senior Living in Ellinwood, Kan., from 2020 to August 2024, before moving to Medicalodges in Great Bend, Kan. where she resided until her passing.
One of her greatest joys in life was her beloved chihuahua, Peppie Lee, whom she cherished for over a decade.
Karen is survived by her son, Robert (Peggy) Brand of Imogene, Iowa; her daughter, Patty Knoll (John Carbaugh) of Great Bend, Kan.; her grandson, Lochlan Jerry Brand of Imogene, Iowa; and her brothers, Gordon and Lamont Lunz of Ponca, Neb. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Bernice Lunz; her husband, Jerry Brand; and her daughter-in-law, Jessica Knoll.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main St., Quinter, Kan.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main St., Quinter, Kan., with burial to follow at Baker Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, to help the family with funeral expenses, may be made out to Patty Knoll. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Schmitt Funeral Home 901 Main Street
Quinter, KS 67752
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 1, 2025
