A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Karla Harcey, age 85, of Okabena, will be held Friday, October 16th at 11:00 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Okabena. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Brewster.

A visitation for Karla will be held on Thursday, October 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Okabena. Visitation will continue on Friday, October 16th at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Karla Mae (Fritson) Harcey, age 85, was born on May 17, 1941, in Rost Township, Jackson County, Minnesota. She was the daughter and only child of Harm and Bertha (Best) Fritson (formerly of Franklin County, Nebraska) and delivered by Dr. Doman. Karla was baptized at home by Reverend Herman Meyer of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rost Township on June 7, 1941.

Karla attended elementary school in Sioux Valley and in 1953, the family moved to Brewster. On June 5, 1955, she was confirmed by Reverend Rottman at Trinity Lutheran, Brewster. Karla enjoyed cheerleading and band and graduated from Brewster High School in 1959. After attending Minneapolis Business College, she worked in an office in Worthington. She moved to Omaha and worked as a secretary for the Assistant Director of Nursing at Nebraska Methodist School of Nursing.

On August 20, 1966, Karla and Philip Harcey were united in marriage by Reverend Neuman at Trinity Lutheran, Brewster. They made their home in Okabena where Philip taught school and they were blessed with three children. When the children were all attending school, Karla began working as a secretary at the school in Okabena. She loved interacting with staff and students and retired after 26 years. These special connections remained very important to her well beyond her retirement.

In her younger years, Karla taught Sunday school and Bible school. She enjoyed bowling with teams in Omaha and Okabena, attending Bible studies, baking for family and friends, and sewing. Family roots in Nebraska and related memories were very important to Karla. She had fond memories of her Brewster classmates and always looked forward to class reunions. Karla enjoyed attending a variety of school and community events in Okabena. The 4th of July celebration in Okabena was a favorite for Karla. The community of Okabena became "family" to Karla. She was blessed by wonderful friends and neighbors who checked in on her and joyfully took on tasks which allowed her to remain in her home.

Reflecting over her life, an impactful highlight came to Karla's mind often. In September of 1964, she sang with the Billy Graham choir for nine nights during a historic crusade held at Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha. Her strong faith in Jesus guided, comforted, and sustained her throughout her lifetime through joy and sorrow. When Phil passed away in 1997, Karla demonstrated the strength and independence to continue the family journey without him. Her family, who she loved dearly, brought her a sense of great pride and joy. The impact of her life and love will remain alive in us always.

On October 5, 2026, Karla passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Karla is survived by her three children: Scott (Cece), Brett (Stacey), and Loree (Eric). Grandchildren: James (Bethany) Harcey and great-granddaughter Mara, Joshua (Ahyko) Harcey, Alexis Harcey, Cole (Kaitlyn) Harcey, Jaden (partner, Hailey) Wrightsman, Jocelyn (Isaiah) Neve and great-grandson Jeremiah Neve, and Zach (girlfriend, Lily) Wrightsman.

Karla was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Philip and his parents.

Blessed be the memory of Karla (Fritson) Harcey.