Karen Gonyea

Karen Gonyea, a devoted spouse, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, of complications resulting from cardiac problems.

 Karen was born on June 19, 1945 to Erik Torring and Clara Torring of Ruskin, Nebraska. She grew up in Ruskin with her siblings Sherrill, Sharon, and Erik (called “Butch”). Beautiful, bright, and spirited, she graduated from Ruskin High School, and won the Miss Fairbury Pageant in 1965. She moved to Lincoln, where she obtained a cosmetology degree and later went to work for State Farm Insurance. She met Don Svoboda there, with whom she had three children before they separated.

In 1983 she married Wayne Gonyea. They lived first in Lincoln and then in Illinois, spending an extended period of time on Lake Bracken outside of Galesburg, where they were part of a vibrant community while she worked for Pekin Insurance. They moved back to Omaha to be near family, and she doted on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved music, golf, and spending time with her extended family and friends.

 Karen is survived by her husband, Wayne, and by her sisters, Sherrill Torring of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Sharon Jensen of Wamego, Kansas. She is survived also by a bevy of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: 

 - Brian Svoboda and Sheila Smith of Arlington, Virginia; John Svoboda; and Katie, Henry, and John Henry Summers;

 - Wendy Svoboda of Stephenville, Texas

 - Aaron and Brittany Svoboda of New Orleans;

 - Angie and Jon Jorgensen of Omaha; Alexis, Dalton and Donna Diane DuRee; Garrett Streeks; Josh Jorgensen; and Justin Jorgensen;

 - Wayne and Wendy Gonyea of Kansas City; and Wayne Gonyea III;

 - Tammy and Mike Hetherington of Omaha; Clara Hetherington, who is engaged to Austin Nilius; and Emma Hetherington;

 - Joe and Becca Gonyea of Lincoln; Mattison and Turner Tinant; and Noah Gonyea.

A Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled for June 21, 2025 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The family will provide more details when they are available.