A Celebration of Life reception for Ronnie Karel, 77, of Wayne will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, in Wayne.
She died Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026 at her home in Wayne.
Memorials may be directed to the Karel family for later designation
Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.
Vera “Ronnie” Karel was born on June 12, 1949, in Linz, Austria, to Marianne Miller. As the daughter of a military family, Ronnie spent her childhood moving throughout Europe before coming to the United States with her step-father, Hiram Miller. She continued to grow up in various places as her father was stationed at different locations, experiences that shaped her adventurous and adaptable spirit.
On June 11, 1967 Ronnie married the love of her life, Terry Karel, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wayne. Together, they built a loving life and home in Wayne, creating a family and countless memories along the way. They shared 59 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion.
Ronnie worked in healthcare for many years and took great pride in caring for others. Her compassionate nature extended far beyond her work. She had a deep love for animals—especially dogs, cats, and her beloved adopted “squirrel children.” She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and flower gardening- but nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family.
Ronnie’s greatest pride and joy was her family, especially her 10 great-grandchildren: Lilly, Dylan, Aubrey, Jase, Ike, Benji, Josi, Bella, Kehmy, and Easton.
Ronnie is survived by her husband, Terry; her mother, Marianne Miller of Aurora, Colorado; her children and their families, daughter Angela (Kelly) Burton of South Sioux City, and their children Ashley (Charley) Bonanno of Pearland, Texas, Austin and Drew Burton of South Sioux City, and son, Steven (Lisa) Karel of Wayne, and their children Allyson (Jason) Beach of Lincoln, and Brandon (Cassi) Karel of Beatrice; her brothers, David Miller of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Josef Miller of Aurora, Colorado and sister, Debra Manuel (Randy) of Leon, Kansas and her 10great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable love and happiness to her life.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents and father, as well as her loving in-laws, Mike and Erna Karel.
Ronnie will be remembered for her caring heart, her love of animals, her devotion to her family, and the warmth she brought to the lives of those around her. Her memory will live on through the family she loved so deeply and the many lives she touched along the way.
