Karen Lindberg, 80, of Great Bend passed into her eternal home Aug. 2, 2025, at The Cedars in McPherson, Kan. with family present. Born on Aug. 23, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio, Karen was the daughter of Merle E. Rinker and Ada M. (Dunn) Rinker. At just six months old, she moved with her family to Great Bend, where she spent the rest of her life. A proud 1962 graduate of Great Bend High School, Karen went on to attend the University of Kansas.

Karen worked as a legal secretary and also devoted herself to raising her family as a homemaker. She married Val L. Lindholm on June 14, 1964, in Great Bend. Though they later divorced, their union brought two sons, Greg and Doug. She then married Howard Lindberg, Nov. 6, 1986. Howard passed Aug. 8, 2023.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her daughter-in-law, Keri Lindholm. She is survived by her son Greg Lindholm and his wife Tamara (Karen’s puzzle partner) of McPherson, Kan.; her grandchildren Aden Lindholm (and wife Asha) of Auburn, Wash., and Anna van Asselt (and husband Kerrick) of Roeland Park, Kan.; and her great-grandson Jackie, son of Aden and Asha. Karen also loved and warmly welcomed into her family her step-grandchildren, Braeden Konrade, Blayne (Sydney) Konrade, Halee Konrade, and Kyler Konrade. Her son Doug Lindholm and his wife Gina (Schreiber) of Thornton, Colo., survive her, along with their children, Chris (and wife Anna) of Westminster, Colo., Josh (and wife Abbey) of Erie, Penn., and Nick of Thornton. Karen’s stepchildren include Aron Lindberg of Great Bend and his daughter Taylor of Lawrence, Kan.; and Shawna Walker (and husband Rodney) of Pratt, Kan., along with their sons, Hunter and Conner both also from Pratt. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Lindberg of Topeka, Kan. Additionally, she had an amazing friend group, many dating back to childhood - affectionately known as “The Gang” who met regularly either in person or online. Sara, Chris, Terri, Naomi and Suellen were as good of friends as anyone could ever hope to have. Neighbors like Nancy who together watched a neighborhood start from new construction, through a lifetime of memories, are one in a million. Her high school friends who met monthly for lunch meant the world Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530 to her. And her sisters in PEO, where Karen was a 50 year member, were a deep connection to her community and her desire to serve.

Karen had a love for history, community, and meaningful connection. She served as a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Great Bend and was active on the Board of Directors for the Barton County Historical Society. She especially loved to travel—one highlight being a memorable cruise to Alaska—and she treasured her adventures with “the cousins,” whose companionship brought her much joy over the years.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, 10:30 a.m., Saturday Aug. 30, 2025, with Becky Gillette presiding.  Private inurnment graveside services will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Barton County Historical Society or the First Presbyterian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS  67530. Karen will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering devotion to family, and the quiet strength that shaped a life well-lived. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 26, 2025