Karen M. Stobbe, 87, of Grand Island, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026, at The Heritage at Sagewood Assisted Living.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, with Rev. Jorge Canela as celebrant. Interment will be at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Curran Funeral Chapel. A Catholic Daughters rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. followed by a vigil service at 6:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Thoughts and prayers may be shared at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Karen’s obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Karen was born February 13, 1939, in Grand Island, Nebraska, the daughter of Harold Herndon and Ruby Mae (Colwell) Mendenhall. She grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1957. During high school, Karen was a champion bowler for her school team, a testament to both her competitive spirit and determination.

She continued her education at Kearney State College, earning her teaching degree in 1959. Karen returned to Grand Island and taught at Dodge Elementary for two years. On June 23, 1962, she married Paul J. Stobbe in Grand Island. They made their home in Grand Island, where they raised their family.

When her children were young, Karen operated a daycare out of her home, caring for children with the same warmth and patience she brought to everything she did. She later worked as a para at Howard Elementary before accepting a secretary position at Lincoln Elementary. Her dedication to children, families, and her school community continued throughout her years there.

Karen was a faithful woman of God which perfectly captured the important role her faith played in her life. She was a constant and faithful presence at St. Mary’s Cathedral, giving her time and energy to countless activities and ministries. She was an active member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Ave Maria #1263, the Altar Society, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary’s. Whether volunteering, serving others, or simply praying, Karen could always be counted on to be there. Her faith was not simply something she practiced—it was woven into the way she lived her life and cared for others.

Karen also enjoyed reading and was an excellent cook. She was especially well known for her lemon meringue pies, her macaroni salad, and many other cherished family dishes that brought everyone together around the table. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, tradition, and love.

More than any accomplishment or activity, Karen will be remembered for the love she gave to her family. She was an incredible daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her life revolved around her family, and she treasured the time they spent together. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and cherished every opportunity to be surrounded by those she loved.

Karen will be lovingly remembered by her children, Stephanie (Patrick) Graves of Atlanta, Georgia; Tom (Kellie) Stobbe of Omaha, Nebraska; and Tami (Mark) Taylor of Grand Island, Nebraska and by the memory of her beloved son Doug Stobbe who passed away in 2005.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, John Patrick (Mona Blair) Graves, Corley Graves, Katie Anne Graves, Taylor (Jake Gustafson) Stobbe, Cole Stobbe, Paige Stobbe, Braden (Megan) Taylor, Ericah (Trevor) Paulsen, and Kaylee (William) Thompson; and her great-grandchildren, Olivia, Emmet, Maddox, Jace, Millie, and Meyer. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ruby Mendenhall; her husband, Paul Stobbe; her son, Doug Stobbe; and her sister, Beverly Joan Arnold.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, love, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her memory will live on in the many lives she touched and in the family she loved so dearly.