OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Karen Lynn Stromgren, 70, of Osage City, Kan., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Topeka, Kan. She was born June 18, 1953, in Topeka, the daughter of Albert and Letha Ecord Smith.

Karen attended Santa Fe Trail High School, Carbondale, Kan., and graduated with the class of 1971.

She was joined in marriage to Leroy Stromgren, April 26, 1975, in Miami, Okla. They were proud to make Osage City their lifelong home, raising their two children, Nicole and Ben. During their 48 years of marriage, Leroy and Karen enjoyed attending their kids’ sporting events, growing delicious vegetables, and helping to make the community a better place. Family was always front and center for Karen, helping to organize multiple family reunions on an annual basis.

In January 1979, Karen and Leroy became the owners of Home Oil, in Osage City, where she welcomed all customers by name, with a warm smile and a helping hand. They owned and operated Home Oil until 2005. In 1988, Karen and Leroy started Stromgren Trucking, which continued until 2015. Karen continued to serve the community in her time at Rural Water District No. 7 , always gracious to help both customers and the board of directors needs.

Karen was an avid, and very skilled, quilter, pouring countless hours into making quilts and bags for her family, friends and the community. Karen also loved to bake, usually her famous O’ Henry Bars, which were always sought after at family gatherings. Karen loved to travel with her friends to different arts and craft shows, enjoyed supporting local community sporting events and fundraisers, and was also a devoted auxiliary member of the American Legion Post 198, Osage City. What Karen enjoyed most in life was the time spent with her grandkids, playing with whatever toy was chosen, reading an endless number of books, and always providing her signature warm and loving embrace.

She will live on in the hearts and memories of her husband, Leroy, of their home north of Osage City; a daughter, Nicole Stromgren and wife, Melissa, of Omaha, Neb.; a son, Ben Stromgren and wife, Anastasia, Katy, Texas; her mother, Letha Smith, Overbrook, Kan.; three brothers, Bruce Smith and wife, Debbie, Oklahoma City, Okla., Neil Smith and wife, Joni, Overbrook, and Russell Smith and wife, Stephanie, Overbrook; grandchildren, Lily, Braxton, Mara and Samantha; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family; and a community of dear friends.

The family invites you to join them in celebrating her life at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the First United Methodist Church, 219 S. Sixth St., Osage City. Inurnment will follow services at Union Cemetery, north of Osage City.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 198, Osage City, and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.