Karen Gail Cody was born on June 29, 1940, in Alliance, Nebraska, to Benjamin and Irene (Kaiser) Colerick. She grew up in Alliance and graduated from Alliance High School in 1958.
In 1961, Karen married Gerald “Punk” Cody, and together they built their life on the ranch. She took great pride in her hard work, her ability to keep things running smoothly, and the home she maintained. She was an excellent seamstress and no one could make a better chocolate cake. She enjoyed poker parties with her lifelong Sandhills friends and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a devoted member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Karen passed away on August 7, 2025, surrounded by her family at Edgewood Memory Care in Columbus, Nebraska.
She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Michael) Cody Garcia of Columbus, NE; grandchildren Morgan Slusarski and Nathan Slusarski of Lincoln, NE; step-grandchildren Paige Garcia and Parker Garcia of Paton, IA; sister-in-law Teresa Butcher; and nieces and nephews, Steve Colerick, Jeff Colerick, Pat Colerick, Jim Butcher, Rita Arnoldy and Mary Butcher.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald “Punk” Cody; parents, Benjamin and Irene Colerick; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald “Jerry” and Louise Colerick; her father and mother-in-law, Ed and Mary Cody and brother-in-law, James Butcher.
A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance, Nebraska. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Holy Rosary Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 13 from 10am to 4pm at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to the family for a later designation or given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.