Karen D. Schueler Sander

Karen D. Schueler Sander, age 75, of Victoria, Kansas passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at HaysMed. Born on September 8, 1948, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Norbert and Luella (Karl) Schueler, Karen's journey was marked by a profound commitment to helping others and a contagious zest for life.

Karen's professional journey was a testament to her compassionate nature. Armed with a Master's Degree in counseling from Fort Hays State University, she dedicated many years to the mental health field, serving at both High Plains Mental Health Center and as an adjunct professor at Fort Hays State University. Her work focused on educating and supporting families and children, as well as military families, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

After retiring, Karen's desire to give back continued to shine brightly. She started her own private practice and generously volunteered at the Hays Medical Center gift shop, where her creative flair blossomed in the form of beautiful flower arrangements that brought joy to many.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Karen embraced life with gusto. An avid golfer, she cherished her time on the greens with her husband, Sam, and her ladies golf group, where she also served as president of the Ladies Association at Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course. Karen's love for nature was evident in her passion for gardening, and her nurturing of the wildlife that visited her backyard, providing them with a sanctuary to rest and refresh.

Karen's artistic talents knew no bounds. She delighted in creating arts and crafts for her friends and family, each piece a reflection of her vibrant personality and generous spirit.

Karen's memory will forever be treasured by her beloved husband and companion of 35 years, Sam Sander of Victoria, KS; her children, Adam Brown of McPherson, KS, Amy Beery of Kansas City, MO, Rebecca Beery of Hays, KS, Bradley Beery of Walker, KS, Charles (Lisa) Beery of Salina, KS, Scott (Traude) Sander of Lexington, SC, Chris (Mike) Loomis of Colorado Springs, CO, and Jill (Ryan) Bosch of Windsor, CO; Sisters, Nadine Ward of Wichita, KS and Chris (Fred) Gorges of Clearwater, KS; a brother, Jeff Schueler of Medellín, Columbia; twelve Grandchildren; a niece, Grace Gorges Clearwater, KS and a nephew, Chad Ward, Wichita, KS and a host of relatives and friends whose lives she enriched with her boundless love and compassion.

Karen was a mother to all of the children, offering comfort, guidance, and love without reservation. While we mourn her passing, we take solace in knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by her kindness and grace.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria, Kansas. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed on the Keithley Funeral Homes Facebook page accessed at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com, select resources then select Facebook Live.

Memorial visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine St. Hays, KS 67601. Tuesday visitation from 9:00 AM until the service time at The Basilica. 

A combined vigil and rosary service will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday at Brock's Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date, with donations payable to Sam Sander.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Karen's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com