Karen Sue “Henke” Melchert, born February 2, 1950, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Audrey and Opal (Hull) Henke, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026.

Karen grew up in Milford, Nebraska, and graduated from Milford High School in 1968. Shortly after, she met and married her first husband, Jerry Groff. During their marriage, they welcomed a daughter, Dawn Marie. The couple lived in Colorado before relocating in 1975 to the family farm in Imperial, Nebraska, where Karen embraced farm life and learned the many skills it required.

In 1985, Karen began a new chapter, purchasing and remodeling a rundown bar, which she proudly named the Skew-Gee Mill, a name she chose to reflect something crooked, slanted, askew, or cockeyed. She owned and operated the business until around 1991, when her marriage ended.

Karen later moved to Kansas, where she managed several Pizza Hut locations. During this time, she met and married her second husband, Gary Knouf. They shared approximately ten years together before his passing.

Following this loss, Karen returned to southwest Nebraska, settling between the McCook and Trenton areas. It was there she met her soulmate, Rick Melchert. The two were married in 2011 and built a life together on a rural acreage they transformed into their forever home.

Karen and Rick shared a passion for antiques, spending years hunting for treasures and creating their business, Picky Ricky’s Relics. Karen also had a deep love for flowers and the outdoors, often spending hours tending to her gardens and creating beauty wherever she could. One of her constant companions during those quiet, happy hours was Abby, the German Shepherd who wandered into their yard and found her way into their hearts. Abby became part of the family, faithfully riding alongside Karen in the golf cart as she worked, a steady and comforting presence by her side. Together, they also cared for many cats over the years, providing them with a loving home.

Later in life, Karen experienced a stroke that limited her independence and required full-time care. With unwavering devotion, Rick dedicated his life and retirement to caring for her until her passing.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey and Opal Henke; her brother, Gary; and her second husband, Gary Knouf.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rick Melchert of rural Trenton; her daughter, Dawn (Don) Lannigan of McCook; her grandson, Alec Record of McCook; her stepson, Brett (Melissa) Melchert of Culbertson; her stepdaughter, Kara (Reilly) Duncan of Hudson, Kansas; her sisters, Joyce Pennington of Hastings and Cheryl (Clark) Chandler of Lincoln; as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, bonus grandchildren, and dear friends.

Karen will be remembered for her resilience, creativity, love of family, and the warmth she brought to those around her.

Family will receive friends for Visitation Thursday April 16, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00pm CT at Culbertson Methodist Church, 502 Colorado St, Culbertson, NE 69024. Funeral service to follow also at Culbertson Methodist Church on Friday April 17 at 11:00 am CT with Rev Alisa Parde officiating. Interment to follow at Trenton cemetery in Trenton, Nebraska. A luncheon will be held following the services at Culbertson Methodist Church.

Liewer Funeral Home/Benkelman Memorial Chapel entrusted with arrangements.