Karen L. Hunter, age 67, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Blue Valley Health and Rehabilitation in Blue Rapids, Kansas.
Karen was born on March 14, 1958, in Munich, Germany, while her father was serving in the U.S. Army. She was the daughter of Clarence J. and Wilma J. (Nemechek) Hogan. She graduated from Concordia High School with the Class of 1977. On August 9, 1980, she was united in marriage to Roger D. Hunter in Topeka.
Karen dedicated her life to caring for others through a long and meaningful career in healthcare. She began her journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), later became a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree from Kaw Valley Technical School (now Washburn Tech) in 1997. Throughout her career, she worked in nursing homes, hospitals, and physicians’ clinics, where her compassion, strong work ethic, and commitment to her patients were deeply valued.
Karen was a devoted member of Northland Christian Church in Topeka. She loved sweet tea and was rarely without cottage cheese and fruit close by. She adored her grandchildren and found immense joy in every moment spent with them. Karen also had a deep love for motorcycles—riding alongside her husband, Roger, and cheering on her grandchildren at motocross events. She was known for her kind-hearted nature, strong self-motivation, and quiet strength. For thirty years, Karen courageously fought breast cancer, facing each day with resilience, grace, and unwavering determination.
Survivors include her husband, Roger Hunter of Topeka; her daughter, Alicia Rhoads of Topeka; siblings: James (Susan) Hogan of Waterville, Patrick (Gayla) Hogan of Marysville, Scott (Tammie) Hogan of Columbus, Nebraska, Roxanne (Allen) Nugent of Waterville, and Patty (Rick) Moeller of Waterville; and four grandchildren, Anthony, Nathaniel, Abigail, and Natalie.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, David Hogan.
A visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Waterville with Pastor David Thompson officiating.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in Topeka, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.
