Karen L. Hiatt, 74, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as the results of an auto accident in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, on Tuesday, April 8, at Gass Haney Funeral Home with Fr. Taylor Leffler officiating.  Visitation will be on Monday, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM and continue on Tuesday, from 9:00 AM until service time, also at the funeral home. Interment will be at 2:00 PM, on Tuesday, at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island, Nebraska. Memorials may be directed to Paws & Claws Adoption Center, Macular Degeneration research, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Karen L. Hiatt was born July 6, 1950, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Elmer and Sylvia (Smolek) Bowers.  She graduated from Grand Island Senior High School and attended Kearney State College for two years.  On December 11, 1971, Karen married her next-door neighbor and high school sweetheart, Russ Hiatt, in Grand Island.  Russ's employment with Hinky Dinky took them to many locations over the years before settling in Columbus where they owned and operated Russ' Super Foods for 10 years in downtown Columbus.  After selling the grocery store, Karen went to work for Walmart for 20 years before retiring.

Karen enjoyed reading, visiting with friends, and attending her grandchildren's activities.  Karen and Russ enjoyed traveling to South Padre, TX; Alaska, California, Hawaii, and especially the mountains in Colorado.

Karen is survived by:
Husband – Russ Hiatt of Columbus, NE
Daughter – Laurie (Randy) Kouma of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren – Cassie and Jordan
Daughter – Kristin (Travis) Pekny of Cedar Rapids, IA
Grandchildren – Tanner and Tayton
Sister – Linda (Frank) Carbajal of San Jose, CA
Brother-in-law – Randy (Sherri) Hiatt of Grand Island, NE
Sister-in-law – Rhonda Hawthorne of Grand Island, NE
Brother-in-law – Rick (Kim) Hiatt of Greeley, CO
Sister-in-law – Renie (Mark) Kula of Plattsmouth, NE
Numerous nieces and nephews
Fur Baby – Bella

Karen was preceded in death by:
Parents – Elmer and Sylvia Bowers
Brother – Gary Bowers
In-laws – Cecil and Junette Hiatt