Karen Fern Deutscher

Karen Fern (Lofstead) Deutscher, 71, passed away May 6, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ with her children by her side. She was born in Ogallah, KS to Fern (Sandstoe) & Nelson Lofstead on May 18, 1939. She grew up in Ellis, KS, graduating from Ellis High School in 1957. Karen attended Fort Hays Kansas State College, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education in 1961. She married Gene Deutscher, also of Ellis, Kansas, in 1963. Karen taught elementary school in Kansas during the early years of marriage. The family lived in Missouri, Oklahoma and South Dakota before moving to North Platte, NE in 1978.She was a devoted mother of two children, volunteering at various school organizations as library and teachers aids; took leadership roles in Brownie and Cub scouts; and was actively involved with her church. She was a Sunday School teacher, women's circle leader, and faithful member of First Lutheran Church in North Platte. In 1980, she returned to teaching as a Title I reading teacher. She was passionate about helping children learn to read, and taught at numerous schools in North Platte. She taught Reading Recovery from 1997-2002, completing Teacher and Teacher Leader training. Karen retired from the North Platte School System in 2002, and taught one additional year in Bartlesville, OK before returning to North Platte. In total, she spent over 25 years as a teacher.Karen valued continuing education, and pursued a graduate degree at Kearney State College in Education while teaching full time. She was awarded a Masters degree in Education in 1990. She was very proud of the advanced degrees that her children earned, always promoting the value of additional education. Her love of learning is a legacy that she passed on to her children and a multitude of students. In retirement, Karen enjoyed walking her Dachshund dogs, volunteering at church, and collecting childrens books. She was preceded in death by her parents and a baby girl, Deborah. She is survived by many loving family members. These include her two children, Kris (Jak) Konrad of Phoenix, AZ; Brett (Mary) Deutscher of San Jose, CA; and two grandchildren, Devynn (4 yrs) and Cassidy (7 mo) Deutscher. Sibling survivors are Karen's brother Gary (Barbara) Lofstead of Wichita, KS; sister Phyllis (Maurie) Dixon of McKinney, TX; and many nieces and nephews. Also, former husband, Gene Deutscher, North Platte, NE. A reception will be held at First Lutheran Church in North Platte, NE, on June 1, at 10am. A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Ellis, KS, on August 6. Inurnment of ashes will follow the service in Ogallah, KS, next to her parents' graves. Condolences may be sent to the family by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at First Lutheran Church.











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