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Karen Sue Lofland, 70, passed away June 22, 2026, at Hospice House in Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born August 7, 1955, in La Crosse, to Wilmer & Norma (Engel) Sander. She married James A. Lofland on February 23, 1974, in Great Bend. He passed away January 3, 2015.

Karen was a long time Great Bend resident. She was employed with U.S.D. 428 for over 10 years working in the central kitchen and maintenance department until her retirement. She then did secretarial work for St. Francis Community Services, YoungWilliams DCF, and St. Rose Health Center. She enjoyed sewing, reading, and loved doing crafts. She was a very faithful catholic with Prince of Peace at St. Rose Catholic Church and served on the Altar Society. Karen embraced people in their seasons and, because they felt heard, people sought out her wisdom. Her ability to be a pillar of strength and insight gained her many friendships in her lifetime.

Survivors include son, James J. "Joel" Lofland and his wife Peni of Maryville, Mo.; daughter, Nicole Lofland and her companion Serous Ghanimifard of Great Bend; grandson, Ethan James Lofland; sisters, Kathleen "Kathy" Levingston and her companion Marvin Ward of Great Bend, Kimberly Donovan of Hoisington; brother, Keith Sander and his wife Shirley of Turpin, Okla. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband of 42 years, James Lofland.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father John Stang presiding. Visitation is available from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with an Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 pm., and a Vigil with Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be made out to Ethan Lofland Education Fund or Hospice House, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.