- Date Of Birth: May 1, 1960
- Date Of Death: March 19, 2021
- State: Nebraska
Karen was born to Marie (Sowa) Waters and James Hicks on May 1, 1960 in Highland Park, Michigan. She grew up and attended high school in South Boardman, Michigan, and settled in Norfolk, Nebraska after meeting Dennis.
Karen married Dennis on June 18, 1983. While Dennis continued to work at the family business of Major Refrigeration, Karen spent her time raising her children, serving as a paraeducator for Norfolk Public Schools, and working in the dining area at the Meadows. Outside of her paid employment, Karen was affectionately known as Mama Johnson. Karen cared for every person who crossed her path. She helped her mother, father, and mother-in-law as they aged, gave rides home to any stranded elementary student, took the time to chat with every resident she worked with at the Meadows, and provided shelter to any of her daughters’ friends who needed a safe place to stay. A true animal lover, she also habitually helped more cats than her family could count.
Karen is survived by her husband, Dennis Johnson of Norfolk; daughters Courtney Johnson of Lincoln, Tracy (Scott) Hampton of Norfolk, Kayla (Kyle) Apfel of Kearney; brother James Hamicksburg of Lincoln; 6 grandchildren (including one that is about to be born), 3 step-grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Michelle (Hicks) Chadwick.
