OLMITZ — Karlene Kay Schenk, 83, died Dec. 19, 2021, at Azria Health of Great Bend, Kan. She was born Oct. 21, 1938, on the family farm south of Dorrance, Kan., the daughter of Edwin and Donalda (Ivie) Kraus.  

On Feb. 12, 1958, she married Donald D. “Shorty” Schenk, in Olmitz, Kan. He preceded her in death on Aug. 18, 1980.

Karlene was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and Altar Society. She worked for 20+ years cooking and cleaning for Father Ultan Murphy.  

She is survived by her daughter, Sheryl Hickel and husband Jim of Claflin; son, Randy Schenk of Great Bend; brothers, Dale Kraus and wife Connie of Ellinwood, Donnie Kraus and wife Patty of Madras, Ore. and Leonard Kraus of Oregon; sister-in-law, Beverly Kraus of Denver, Colo.; and one grandson, Dylan Hickel of Claflin. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three sons, Darrell, Ronnie and Larry Schenk; and a brother, Francis Kraus.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, at St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz, with Father Stephen Dabanka presiding. Friends may sign the book now and until service at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to the Karlene Schenk Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

PO Box 146 

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 22, 2021