Karen Kay Lehmann

Karen Kay Lehmann, age 60, passed away peacefully at her home in Lincoln, Nebraska on December 1, 2021. Karen was born April 6, 1961 in San Diego, California to Ted and Phyllis (Adams) Thomas. She was the middle of three daughters. Karen graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1979. Following graduation, she attended Central Community College in Hastings for Dental Hygiene. On June 6, 1981, Karen married Kevin Lehmann. The couple lived near Eustis, Nebraska where they raised their two children, Nathan and Tristan. Karen lived a very adventurous and fun life. She practiced as a dental hygienist for over 30 years. She enjoyed being Crew Chief for Kevin during their years of Hot Air Ballooning. She would often trick her kids into going to balloon rallies by telling them they were going on vacation. When they moved to Lincoln she got involved in Healing Hearts Therapy Dogs and soon became board member of the organization. Karen recruited and certified many therapy dogs. She started therapy dog visits at the Lincoln Airport and made many friends with the airports TSA employees. Karen also took an interest in saving wolves at Yellowstone. She spotted a white female wolf that she was interested in and donated money to the cause. Karen was preceded in death by her father Ted; sister Tamie; and her mother and father in-law, June and Sherman Lehmann. She is survived by her husband Kevin of Lincoln; two children, Nathan (Natalie) Lehmann of Ord and Tristan (Matt) Newcomb of Eustis; mother, Phyllis Thomas of Cozad; sister, Lisa (Derrick) Gengenbach of Cozad; grandchildren, Kellan, Drew and Amelia; nieces and nephews; and many other family members and friends.

In lieu of plants, memorials are suggested to Healing Heart Therapy Dogs, 15855 Bobwhite Trail, Crete, NE 68333. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eustis United Methodist Church. It was Karen's wish to be cremated. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so on Sunday, December 5, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Eustis United Methodist Church, family will be present.