Karen Ann McCoy, 52, of Lincoln, passed away September 28, 2025. She was born to Edwin and Evayline (Laue) Plager on January 7, 1973 in Tecumseh, Nebraska. She was baptized Feb. 4, 1973 and confirmed May 3, 1987 at St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church, Elk Creek, Nebraska.

As a young girl, Karen would stay with Luella Plager, called Grandma Ellie, until she went to kindergarten at Elk Creek. Karen loved to grab her favorite candy bar and sit in her parent’s grocery store on main street. She spent many hours hanging out over at the Searcey house. At Elk Creek, Karen was one of two kids in her class. After her only schoolmate left, she was the only one in her class.

As the school was closing and Karen concluded her 6th grade year, she decided to go to Johnson-Brock for junior high and high school. Karen excelled in volleyball, basketball and student manager for the track team (so she could get a tan and meet new friends!) Karen was close with all sorts of high school kids from various surrounding small towns. She had friends everywhere she went. Karen graduated from Johnson-Brock in 1991 and UNL with a degree in Interior Design from the School of Architecture in 1995.

Karen met and married the love of her life, Matt McCoy, thanks to an overdue library book and a holiday tournament basketball program. They were married on April 26, 1997 at St. James Lutheran Church, Elk Creek, Nebraska. This union was blessed with two children, Wil Kiernan McCoy (24 years old) and Ava Kathryn McCoy (19 years old.)

Karen worked at Ameritas Life Insurance for the past 25 years. Her voice was the sound of peace and comfort. Karen’s love of others made those around her feel seen and heard. Whether it was a stranger or her own kids, Karen’s nurturing and motherly love was felt amongst all. Her beautiful smile would light up any room when she entered.

Matt and Karen made their home in Syracuse where they raised their family. They were members of Luther Memorial Church in Syracuse for 16 years. They later moved to Lincoln and converted to Catholicism in 2016 and became members of St. Peter Catholic Church in Lincoln.

Karen dearly enjoyed spending time with those she loved (family and friends). She loved going to estate sales and finding vintage “treasures”. Karen had a passion for interior design. She loved taking drives with her family. She and Matt were a socially active couple in the Syracuse community. They hosted infamous Halloween costume parties and were always hosting watch parties in the basement theatre room. Karen loved watching her kids excel in life, whether it be watching basketball games or going to choir concerts. She had a knack for scrap-booking, and both kids have 4-5 books that detail their entire lives. Karen also proudly earned her real estate license and served her community selling for Speckmann Realty and later Granneman Agency.

Karen will never be forgotten by her husband Matthew Mc-Coy, son Wil McCoy, daughter Ava McCoy, mother-in-law, Clarice Tegtmeier, brother and wife Glenn and Rebecca Plager, sister and husband Christy and Russ Waring, sisters-in-law Melissa McCoy and husband Paul Muff and Rebecca McCoy, brother-in-law Luther McCoy and wife Leanne, many nieces, nephews and so many friends (that felt just like family.) :) She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Ev, fatherin- law William “Bill” McCoy, maternal grandparents Louis and Malinda Laue, paternal grandparents Eli and Lydia Plager, uncle Virgil Plager and aunt Dorothy Plager.

Mass of Christian Burial Service was held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Lincoln, Nebraska with Father Eric Clark officiating. Organist, Jen Creager, accompanied vocalist, Shani Sorensen, as she sang “Ave Maria” and congregational hymns, “Amazing Grace” and “Holy Is His Name.”

Pallbearers were Paula Brammier, Darci Weyers, Angie Lintz, Elizabeth McCarville, Amy Christen and Sandy Wahl.

Interment was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska. Memorials may go to Plager for a Purpose.

Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

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