Karen Elsie Gestrine

Karen Elsie Gestrine was born May 12, 1946, to Martin and Elsie (Olson) Gestrine and passed away at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln on November 28, 2025, as the result of an accident on Tuesday, November 25. Her funeral and burial will be at Calvary Lutheran of Swede Home on Sunday, December 7, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Hillary Christensen presiding. Cremation has taken place, according to her wishes. Karen spent her life being a devoted and loyal family member and friend. She was always willing to spend time with shut-ins or drive loved ones to appointments, and she will forever be remembered for her kind and gentle ways. No one was more gifted and generous at remembering birthdays and holidays with cards than Karen. Her loss leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of many. Karen was baptized and confirmed in Calvary Lutheran Church of Swede Home, where she was an active lifetime member. Growing up, Karen attended country schools: District 62 Oakdale and District 42 High Prairie. She was a fierce supporter of her beloved Osceola Bulldogs, having graduated from Osceola High School in 1964. Karen began working for the U.S. Post Office on January 15, 1966, as a clerk in Osceola and Columbus. In May 1976, she was named the officer-in-charge at the Osceola Post Office, and on April 9, 1977, she proudly became Osceola’s postmaster. On June 1, 2001, she retired from the USPS with over 35 years of service. She was active in the Osceola Senior Center, a member of the Osceola Community Action Group, the Legion Auxiliary, and PEO. Her greatest joy, though, was spending time with family and friends. Her weekday coffee group, lunches and card games with friends, and Sunday mornings in Swede Home brought her much happiness. Karen is survived by her brothers Roger (Bev) from Chehalis, WA, and Rodney (Jane) from Kingman, AZ; nieces Susie and Nicole and nephew Nate; several close cousins; many second and third cousins who considered themselves nieces and nephews; and a host of friends who considered themselves family. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorials are suggested to Calvary Lutheran of Swede Home or to Osceola Fire and Rescue. Solt-Wagner in Central City is handling arrangements.