Karen Ann Hilgenkamp 88, of Arlington, Neb., died peacefully at her home with family by her side on April 8, 2024.

She was born March 29, 1936, to William and Esther (Jensen) Mason in Albuquerque, N.M. She grew up in Sante Fe, N.M., then met her husband Rupert at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Neb. Married on Dec. 30, 1957, together they worked the family farm near Arlington.

Karen dedicated her life to things that were forever – faith, family and friends. She first and foremost loved her Savior Jesus Christ, and spent a lifetime growing in the knowledge and joy of God’s faithfulness, forgiveness and goodness. She adored “her Rup” and was a caring and supportive mother.

Karen’s God-given creativity and love were poured out to others. One example is that while volunteering many years at the library at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, she dressed up as Grandma Pockets to help young minds use books to search for and appreciate the color and beauty of creation. Another example was the publishing of a book on kaleidoscopes. This turned out to be the last project in a life spent preserving for future generations the understanding of love, hope, joy, compassion and giving.

Survived by her daughter, Deborah Brothers, Austin, Texas; sons, Rusty (Becky) Hilgenkamp, Arlington, Dan (Jenny) Hilgenkamp, Lakewood, Colo. and Erik (Lisa) Hilgenkamp, Kansas City, Mo.; 10 grandchildren, Jonathan (Amanda) Brothers, Danelle (Colt) Glidden, Nathan (Kaisha) Hilgenkamp, Amy Hilgenkamp, Melissa (James) Usasz, Brody (Olivia) Hilgenkamp, Tate Hilgenkamp, Chloe Hilgenkamp, Mason Hilgenkamp, and Lily Hilgenkamp; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, David (Lana) Mason, Sante Fe, N.M. and sister-in-law, Sharon Mason, Albuquerque, N.M.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Bill and Erik Mason and sister, Kathy Mason.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday April 12, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church north of Arlington. Family receiving friends on Thursday from 7-8 p.m., at St. Paul’s Fellowship Hall. Closed casket visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.

Interment will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul’s Scholarship Fund or the Orphan Grain Train.

Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Reckmeyer-Moser Funeral Home 232 W. Eagle St. Arlington, NE 68002 402-478-4151.