Carol Christen, 82, of Kearney, Nebraska, formerly of Broken Bow, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026.

Born to Tom and Lela Connely and raised in rural Broken Bow, Carol graduated from Broken Bow High School and carried the values of her upbringing—faith, kindness, and service—throughout her life.

Carol married the love of her life, Carl Christen, and together they shared 62 wonderful years filled with devotion, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Their marriage was a true partnership, grounded in faith and sustained by deep affection.

Carol’s greatest joy was being a mother. She poured her heart into raising her sons, Bill and Bret, and embraced her daughter‑in‑law Karen, with the same warmth and love she gave her own children. Her three granddaughters, Alex, Maura, and Lindsey—were treasured beyond measure, each one a source of pride and happiness. She joyfully welcomed Tee and Blake into the family, and becoming a great‑grandmother to Ryan was one of the brightest blessings of her life.

Family meant everything to Carol. She treasured her nieces and nephews, and she found great joy in time spent at Johnson Lake, where she created lifelong memories with family and dear friends. The lake was her happy place, a backdrop to so many moments of laughter, connection, and love.

Carol dedicated her life to helping others. She founded Insurance Aid Services, where she guided and supported countless people with compassion and expertise. Before starting her business, she served as a law office manager and earlier as a legal assistant at the Custer County Attorney’s Office. Her work was always rooted in service, integrity, and genuine care for the people she helped.

Grounded deeply in her faith, Carol was committed to her church and active in her community. After retiring, she was especially proud of the time she spent working at the Custer County Museum, where she enjoyed preserving local history and connecting with others. Carol never missed an opportunity to help someone in need—her generosity was simply part of who she was.

Carol loved the arts in all their forms. She was a gifted painter, a lover of music and antiquing, and found deep fulfillment in quilting and sewing crafts through which she expressed her creativity, patience, and care. Her artistic spirit touched everything she created and everyone she shared it with.

Carol is survived by her sons Bill (Karen) and Bret Christen, grandchildren Alex (Tee) and Maura (Blake) and Lindsay. Two siblings, Ted (Brenda) and Dave Connely along with numerous nieces and nephews who hold her dear to their heart for her enduring love and support. Carol will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering faith, her love for family, and her lifelong dedication to helping others. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Broken Bow, NE. Lunch will be after the Memorial Service at St. Joseph’s Parish Center. Burial will be in St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery in Anselmo, NE following the lunch. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Friday, August 21st, from 9:30 AM till service time at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com