Karen (Sedlacek) Bramlage Obituary, Death – After a protracted and courageous fight against cancer, Karen (Sedlacek) Bramlage, 65, a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother, died away in Topeka, Kansas, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Henry Jr. and Ella Marie (Olson) Sedlacek welcomed Karen into the world on January 15, 1959, close to Marysville, Kansas. She was later reared by her mother and stepfather, Merton Talbot. Karen earned a bachelor’s degree in music education with a performance emphasis in organ performance from Kansas State University, graduating with honors.
In 1980, she wed Joseph, her high school sweetheart. Joe and Karen relocated to Texas after graduating from college, where they stayed for 20 years before returning to Kansas. Robyn Jo, Karen and Joe’s only child, was born in 1987. Ellie Marie and Annabelle Jo, Robyn’s two daughters, and her husband Brian live in Overland Park. Karen wanted to spend as much time as possible with her granddaughters and was a very proud grandmother.
In her 40 years as a teacher, Karen made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students. She was also an amazing educator. Her favorite activities to do with her family were cook, read, and listen to music. This brought her the most happiness. In high school, Karen started playing the organ for church, and her Christian religion served as her pillar of support throughout her life. Karen was a strong believer in the healing power of prayer, and Joe and Robyn are appreciative of all the relatives and friends who offered up prayers for her during her years of chemotherapy.
Ella Marie Talbot, Merton Talbot, and Henry Sedlacek Jr. were the parents of Karen who passed away before her. Along with a host of devoted family members and friends, she is survived by her spouse, Joseph Bramlage; daughter, Robyn (Brian) Yates; granddaughters, Ellie and Annabelle; sisters, Wanda Sedlacek and Susan (Alan) Duell.
At a later time, the Marysville Cemetery will host a private memorial service. If flowers are not desired, memorial donations can be made to the K-State Music Guild at k-state.edu/mtd or the American Orff-Schulwerk Association at aosa.org (which is Karen’s preferred method of teaching music). The funeral arrangements are being handled by Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave., on behalf of the family.
