Karen P. Harper Zidek

Karen Pearl Harper Zidek, 74, died June 14. 2023 at the Ascension Via Christi Medical Center in Manhattan. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the Vermillion City Cemetery. Pastor Virgil Warren will officiate. The song “Goodness of God” will be played. Pallbearers are Bill Harper, Jim Harper, Tim Harper and John Harper. Karen was born to Donald and Edythe (Connet) Harper in Axtell on October 19, 1948. She graduated from Vermillion High School and Crum’s Beauty College in Manhattan. Karen worked as a hairdresser for several years in Seneca and Manhattan and was later employed as a gardener at Kansas State University. She had a knack for landscaping and loved beautifying her home with many flowers and plants. Karen adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She also enjoyed singing karaoke and attending local dances. Karen was a devout Christian and loved the Lord. She is deeply loved and will be fondly remembered as a loving mother, “Mamaw”, sister and friend. Preceding her in death were her parents; and brother, Wayne Harper.. Survivors include her companion, Mike Phillips, Salina; children, Randy (Heather) Stelter, Manhattan, Alisha (Matt Muller) Gronniger, Denver, CO; brothers, Bill Harper, Aurora, CO, Jim (Lois Jean) Harper, Tim Harper and John Harper, all of Vermillion; and two grandchildren, Wesley Muller and Paige Stelter. A memorial fund is established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel, Frankfort, KS. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karen P. Harper Zidek, please visit our flower store.