Karen Anne Messenger, 81

Karen Anne (Kreycik) Messenger, age 81, of Lincoln, NE passed away May 30, 2025. She was born August 30, 1943, in Omaha to Vernon and Ruby Kreycik while her father was entering Navy Officers Candidate School during WWII. When he returned from the war, she got to spend seven more years with him on her family ranch north of Wood Lake before his untimely death in a tractor accident.

It was on that ranch in Wood Lake, NE that Karen found her love and skill with horses and worked many summers driving tractors in the hayfields. There she also became fascinated with all the native plants, animals of every sort and conservation of our earth. It was an interest that would follow her all her life and lead her to the AG Department of Natural Resources campus at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE.

Education was very important to Karen. Because of the remoteness of living on the ranch, Lost Creek Cattle Company, she was homeschooled. She completed high school at Lincoln Southeast (go Knights!) in Lincoln, NE. Multiple degrees were obtained by Karen through the University of Nebraska. In 1965 she was awarded a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agriculture. Her studies continued and she earned a masters in Geology in 1967. Karen was so down to earth in working with people that most did not realize that she was Dr. Kreycik. Not surprisingly, Karen and Charlie had many scientific articles published through the University of Nebraska.

While working at the University of Nebraska, she met her soulmate Charles L. Messenger, whom she married on April 1, 1974, in Valentine, NE. In addition to Charlie, she also inherited his five children who were in for the adventure of their lives! From camping trips - ask about the time the tent was pitched on a soon to be river, fishing trips, to collecting rocks - nearly froze to death in Colorado. Collecting “specimens” for the University or personal use. Digging up a Plesiosaur for the University of Nebraska. Going to various countries for specimens from bugs, butterflies and supposedly monkey skulls (??). They even sneaked into Cuba for a beer can collection!

During Karen’s lifetime, she traveled to too many places to mention, either by car, plane or cruise ship. In fact, they had traveled to every continent except for Antarctica (their cruise ship was turned around by a storm). But I think her favorite place to visit was the ranch where Joe, her brother and family still live. Because of their extensive collection of antique cars and tractors as well as doing a little farming and conservation, Karen and Charlie moved to Dorchester, NE. In 2022 they needed to be closer to hospitals, so they moved to Crete, NE.

They included in their interests eating out at their favorite restaurants, especially breakfast with close friends.

Karen is survived by brother Joe Kreycik (Sharon) Wood Lake NE; daughter Cathi Newsham, AZ; sons Mark Messenger, Wood Lake NE, Leon Messenger, Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Genni Newsham- Boyles (Mitch), OR/IL, Brent Newsham, Los Angeles, CA; niece Joye Dicharry (Joel), nephew Jody Kreycik (Phuong).

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charlie Messenger, Judy Wilson, Bruce Messenger, uncles, aunts and cousins.

Karen’s memorial service was held June 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Grace United Methodist Church in Crete. Karen has been cremated in accordance with her wishes.

A memorial and internment will be held at Wood Lake Cemetery at noon on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 with a reception/meal to follow at Wood Lake Union Church.

Memorials to Pioneer Park Nature Center.

Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.