On April 10, 2016 a beautiful, yet tenacious lady, Karen Kay Lanning Longstein, allowed her stage IV lung cancer to send her to eternal peace. Always one to live life on her own terms, she survived an incredible 10 years after her diagnosis, beating all the odds. Karen was born June 23, 1944 in Wichita, KS to Catherine and Ralph Lanning. She graduated from William Woods College in Fulton, MO and then went on to receive her degree in music education from UNL. There she made many dear friends as part of her Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Music was Karen’s passion and she loved passing that on to the generations of children whose lives she touched. On June 3, 1966, she married Richard Longstein and they had three children. Karen enjoyed singing, playing piano, and was proud of her green thumb. She was a wonderful cook, using fresh produce from her garden to create healthy meals for her family. After moving back to her home town of Omaha, Karen taught many years for the Catholic schools. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Donna. She is survived by her children, Brenna Sears (Todd), Chad Longstein (Kathleen), and Daniel Longstein (Jenny). She is also survived by one sister, Pamla Steiner (William); one niece, Alaina Muse (Chris); two nephews, Ben Steiner and Jacob Steiner; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 15, 1:00pm, at Roeder Mortuary, 2727 N 108th Street, Omaha, the Rev. Stephen Griffith presiding. The family will be receiving guests on Thursday, April 14, 5:00-7:00pm at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Karen Longstein Music for Kids Memorial.
