Karrie Kae Dudley, age 56, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2020. She was born on July 22, 1964 in Creighton, NE to her parents Harold and Norma Jean.

When Karrie was young, she grew up on a farm with her parents and older siblings, who she adored and chased around so she wouldn’t miss out on anything they had going on! She also enjoyed causing mischief, but as the youngest was never to blame. On the farm, Karrie found her love for animals, especially horses; she loved to play with and care for them everyday.

Her husband and family were most important to Karrie. She married the love of her life, Tom, on April 8, 1989. In early years, she stayed home with her children and had a small in-home daycare. If she wasn’t playing with the kids, she was sewing Halloween costumes, kids clothing, or matching Christmas pajamas. She was very skilled at sewing and cross stitching! When her children started school, Karrie worked hard at various places in Gretna, where everyone knew her for her friendliness and constant, warm smile.

Karrie will always be remembered for her strength and determination to never give up. She was always there for her family no matter what; through their happiest times and most difficult endeavors. Her favorite saying was, “Everything happens for a reason,” and while the reason for her leaving so soon may not be known now, the memories of her enormous heart, quirky personality, and beautiful, radiant smile will carry everyone through these grievous times.

It’s no wonder why Karrie loved lighthouses, as she will remain a constant light in her friends’ and family’s lives, even on the darkest days and nights; a light that will someday shine bright a reason for this heartbreaking loss, but until then…

Karrie is soaring high with the butterflies, keeping watch over the many people she loved.

Karrie is preceded in death by her sister: Christine Nelson; father: Harold Nelson; grandson: Timmy Sorensen, Jr.; She is survived by mother: Norma Dunklau; husband: Thomas Dudley, Sr.; daughters: Stephanie (Timothy) Sorensen, Stacie Stoll, Amanda (Alex) Fangman; sons: Thomas Dudley, Jr., Dylan Dudley; grandchildren, nieces & nephews; siblings: Lee, Cindy, & Chris Nelson.