Karen Maurer, 63, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Monday, September 13, 2021, at the Columbus Community Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 21 at 10:30 AM, at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Cory Burma officiating. Interment will be that afternoon in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Columbus at 1:30 PM. Visitation will be on Monday from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Tuesday at 10:15 AM at the church. Memorials may be directed to those of the family or donor's choice. The service will be broadcast live on Gass Haney Funeral Home Facebook page. The wearing of mask are at the discretion of the individual.

Karen Maurer was born October 14, 1957, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Eugene and Marilyn (Elseman) Heuermann, the second of six children. She attended elementary school in Phillips, Nebraska, and graduated from Aurora Junior and Senior High School, class of 1975, Aurora, Nebraska. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Bachelor degree in Education. She first taught at Bunker Hill Elementary School at St. Edward, Nebraska, for five years. She then returned to UNL to get a math endorsement.

Karen began teaching math at Columbus Middle School while working on, and completing, her masters degree. On November 19, 1994, Karen was united in marriage to Keith Maurer and the couple moved to Norfolk, Nebraska. There they were blessed with a daughter – Anna. After commuting to Columbus for a couple of years, Karen took a position teaching math at Norfolk Middle School until they moved back to Columbus. Karen was a "stay at home mom" until Anna started school, and then returned to teaching math at Columbus Senior High School, until retiring in 2019.

Karen was involved in 4-H from the time she was 8 years old until she turned 18. Through these 10 years, Karen became a very good cook and a master seamstress, making her own wedding dress. Karen did not miss her calling. She was a natural born teacher and loved to see kids learn, and she was awarded several different awards and recognitions.

Karen loved to travel, being a part of the Peace Lutheran Bell Choir, helping with Altar Guild, attending ladies bible study groups, music, arranging family gatherings, board games, Sudoku, working in flower gardens, and spending time with friends. She was a very gracious, loving, and generous soul, and never had a harsh word to say about anyone. But above all, Karen's great love was for her family, especially her daughter Anna, and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who she willing went home with on Monday night.

Karen is survived by:
Husband – Keith Maurer of Columbus, NE
Daughter – Anna Maurer of Columbus, NE
Brother – Ken (Beth) Heuermann of St. Louis, MO
Brother – Fred (Lourdes) Heuermann of Grand Island, NE
Brother – John (Sveta) Heuermann of Moscow, Russia
Sister – Cheryl Furse of Grand Island, NE
Brother – Troy (Kristin) Heuermann of St. Paul, MN
Sister-in-law - Beverly (Steven) Mackie of Columbus, NE
Brother-in-law - Todd (Shari) Maurer of Columbus, NE
Brother-in-law - Scott (Amy) Maurer of Tonganoxie, KS
Several aunts and uncles
30 nieces and nephews

Karen was preceded in death by:
Parents – Eugene and Marilyn Heuermann

Service Folder Information
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4: 6-8





In Loving Memory Of

Karen Maurer

Born
Monday, October 14, 1957
Grand Island, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Monday, September 13, 2021
Columbus, Nebraska

Service
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 10:30 AM
Peace Lutheran Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiating
Rev. Cory Burma

Music
Julie Oehlrich – Duet & Accompanist
Jean Sharman – Duet & Flutist
Sarah Heuermann– Violinist
Peace Lutheran Hand Bell Choir
"Scars In Heaven"
"Amazing Grace"
"In Christ Alone"
"My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less"
"Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing"
"Jesus Christ Is Risen Today"

Casket Bearers
Joshua Maurer
Elijah Mackie
Adam Maurer
Chris Furse
Andrew Heuermann
Max Heuermann

Interment
St. John's Lutheran Cemetery 1:30 PM
Rural Columbus, Nebraska
Brad Birtell - Officiating