Karen Kay Krein Jassman, age 72, passed away at Banner Wyoming Medical Center in Casper on Friday, January 30, 2026. Karen was born on July 29, 1953, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Gust and Alma Krein. The ninth of twelve children, she lived on the family farm in Tuttle, North Dakota, until May 1962, when the family moved to Terry, Montana, because Gust worked construction, ultimately ending up in Lusk on December 2, 1963.

Karen attended Niobrara County High School and worked at the Coffee Cup until November 1970, when she ran away to marry Rick Ryan in Watertown, South Dakota. Sheila Marie was born on October 28, 1971, in Milaca, Minnesota, and they divorced in 1974. Karen was a waitress at the Southside when she met Jerry Jassman in 1975. They married on May 22, 1976, and became stepmom to Traci and Troy. Misty Dawn was born on July 9, 1977, and divorced from Jerry in 1989.

Karen worked for the State of Wyoming in corrections from 1984 to 2014. At the same time, she continued to wait tables, bartend, and help wherever she was needed. Her favorite pastimes were bowling, watching the Denver Broncos, and yelling at Lusk Tiger sports teams. She was a nana to everyone and the biggest fan in the crowd.

Karen is survived by her daughters Sheila Youngquist and Misty (Jon) Lundstrom and step-son Troy Jassman; grandchildren Shandra (Dan) Cecil, Shawn Thompson, Taylor Lundstrom, Ryan Youngquist and Mason Lundstrom; great grandson Jackson; brothers and sisters Lila Owren, Gary (Judy) Krein, Wanda Brown, Darold (Patty) Krein, Johnny Krein, Dwight (Shelly) Krein, and special brothers-in-law Steve Wedemeyer and John Jassman. And many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Lester Krein, Leola Morrell, Larry Krein, Darvin Krein, and Kathy Wedemeyer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to the Niobrara Senior Center or the NCHS Booster Club.

Please join us in celebrating Karen's life on Sunday, February 8th, at 1:00 PM at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Auditorium in Lusk, Wyoming. Please wear your favorite football attire or the Lusk Tigers attire.

Click here to livestream the day of service

Niobrara County Senior Center
PO Box 928, Lusk WY 82225-0928
Tel: 1-307-334-2561