Cheryl J. Karns

Cheryl Jean (Stroemer) Karns, 63, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on March 6, 2015, after a brave battle with cancer. She was born on November 3, 1951 in Marysville, Kansas to Duane and Phyllis Stroemer. She graduated from Summerfield High School in 1969 and attended Brown Mackie Career College, where she studied to be a paralegal.

She was a dedicated Executive Judicial Assistant to Kansas Supreme Court Justices Eric Rosen and Marla Luckert. She worked for Justice Luckert for almost 30 years. Prior to working with the Kansas Supreme Court, her work as a paralegal included employment with Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, as well as the Third Judicial District (Shawnee County) Court. The position she enjoyed most was being "Nana" or "Mama Cheryl" to her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Larry Karns; her son, David Howarter, and his wife Alisha (Adams) Howarter of Dallas, Texas; her stepdaughter, Lindsey (Karns) Brees, and her husband Rory Brees, and their three daughters, Taylor, Lauryn, and Aubrey of Topeka, Kansas; and her father, Duane Stroemer and his wife Ruth Stroemer, of Beatrice, Nebraska. She is preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Stroemer; and her brother Ronnie Stroemer.

Cheryl was a farm girl at heart, yet had a sense of style, grace, and sophistication that was unmatched. Her green thumb and love of gardening was reflected in her yard each season. She was an avid K-State fan who never missed a chance to brag about her Wildcats. Most of all, her spirit and sense of humor made her one of a kind, and her laughter will be forever missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2015, at Mount Hope Chapel. Private family inurnment will be held at the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

To leave a special message for the family, visit the guestbook below.