Karen K. Black

Karen Kay (Bristol) Black, born in January 1941 in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Lois and William “Bus” Bristol, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by the love of her family. 

Karen spent much of her childhood growing up in Bismarck, North Dakota, a place she always held close to her heart. Her father owned and operated The Prince Hotel, where many a steak bone was brought home for her beloved dog, Crackers. Her mother prepared wonderful homemade meals, including wild duck obtained from local hunters, creating memories Karen carried throughout her life. She fondly remembered summers spent at the Big Boy enjoying pizza burgers “flying style” with onions and time spent at Apple Creek Country Club. 

She graduated from Bismarck High School in 1959, where she was active in Choir, Pep Club, Prom Committee, and Spanish Club. The friendships she made during those years remained a cherished part of her life, and she treasured staying connected with her high school “Potluck Girls” group for decades. 

In 1960, Karen began pursuing her business degree at the University of North Dakota, where she pledged Gamma Phi Beta sorority. In 1964, she graduated as one of only two women among 88 graduates in the School of Business, a remarkable achievement during that era. That same year, she was elected Sweetheart of Sigma Nu fraternity. 

After college, Karen accepted a position with Spectra-Physics in Mountain View, California. With her characteristic independence and adventurous spirit, she drove herself from North Dakota to California to begin her career. She absolutely loved her work and her life on the West Coast, often reminiscing about the beauty of the Bay Area, its incredible food, sourdough bread, and one of her favorite dishes, Welsh rarebit. 

In 1971, Karen met Carroll Rodney “Rod” Black through mutual friends. Their first date was famously delayed because Karen told him she needed to wash her hair—a story that became a beloved family memory. The two later married, and Karen left her career to embrace her greatest joy: being an amazing wife and mother. 

Their only child, Dana, was born in Redding, California, on Memorial Day in 1974. Karen was overjoyed with the experience of becoming a mother and famously announced, “Let’s do that again!” Though Dana remained her only child, Karen poured her heart into raising and loving her daughter. 

Because of Rod’s career with Union Pacific Railroad, the family lived in Omaha, Nebraska (right in time to be near the path of the 1975 tornado); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Go Steelers!); Brea, California (close to Disneyland); and Longview, Washington, before making Omaha their permanent home in 1983. 

In Omaha, Karen blossomed socially. She built wonderful friendships with her neighbors, enjoyed many years on a bowling league, and loved gathering with her favorite people for lunch. A curious foodie, Karen found joy in discovering new restaurants and sharing meals with friends and family. She believed food was best enjoyed as an experience and a way to connect with others. 

In 2011, Karen’s daughter and her husband, David, moved just a few miles away, allowing for many more treasured moments together. Karen especially loved spoiling her “grandcats,” who brought her endless happiness and companionship. 

Karen was a courageous five-year cancer survivor. Her family is profoundly grateful for the compassionate care she received from Dr. Langdon, Jessica, Josie, and the entire team at Nebraska Cancer Specialists. Their expertise, kindness, and unwavering support gave Karen precious years filled with family, friendship, and cherished memories. 

Karen is survived by her daughter: Dana Scott; her in-laws: Eva Scott, Elizabeth (Scott) and Lance Wilkinson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Ray and Pat Black of Reno, Nevada; her sister-in-law: Jennifer Black of Reno, Nevada; her niece: Casey; and her nephews: Bret and Bart. 

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents: Lois and William “Bus” Bristol; her beloved husband: Carroll Rodney “Rod” Black; her parents-in-law: Loretta and Harry Black; her son-in-law: David Alan Scott; and David’s father: Don Scott. 

Karen will be remembered for her intelligence, independence, sense of humor, warmth, and unwavering love for her family. She had a gift for building lifelong friendships and finding joy in the people, places, and experiences that surrounded her. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched and the memories she created with those who loved her. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Karen’s honor to the Nebraska Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.