Karl A. Sanders

In Loving Memory: Karl and Shirley Sanders NORFOLK – A joint celebration of life service for Karl A. Sanders, 71, and Shirley A. Sanders, 71, of Arvada, CO, formerly of Norfolk, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, MAY 9, 2026, at the Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Chaplain Gregory Prauner will be officiating the service. Inurnment for Karl and Shirley will follow at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Shirley passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Amira Choice Assisted Living in Arvada. Karl followed her into rest on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Pathways Inpatient Hospice in Fort Collins. Together in life for over 50 years, they are now reunited. A Life of Service and Adventure Karl was born on August 4, 1954, in Norfolk, NE, to Ronald and Marlene (Barritt) Sanders. He was a 1972 graduate of Norfolk Senior High School. On September 9, 1973, he married his lifelong partner, Shirley Chamberlin, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Karl dedicated much of his life to his country and his education. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (1982) and a Master’s Degree in Data Processing from the University of Denver (1986). A proud veteran, Karl served in the United States Air Force for nearly 22 years. His distinguished career included vital work within the USAF Space Command Department. Following his military retirement, Karl swapped his uniform for a ranger's hat, serving as a Park Ranger for 20 years—a testament to his love for the outdoors. Throughout their journey, Karl and Shirley made homes in many communities, including Little Rock AFB, AR; Whiteman AFB, MO; and several beautiful locales across Colorado including Evergreen, Arvada, and Fort Collins. Family and Legacy The couple’s legacy lives on through their daughters, Shawna Lee of Fort Collins, CO, and Kristen Dixon of Minocqua, WI, as well as their cherished grandson, Owen Dixon of Peachtree City, GA. Karl is also survived by his brothers, Dan (Cinda) Sanders, Eric (Kathy) Sanders, and Mark (Darla) Sanders, all of Norfolk. Shirley is survived by her brothers, Dale (Kylene) Chamberlin and Roger (Pam) Chamberlin; sister-in-law, Lynette Chamberlin; and brother-in-law, Ron Luebe. They leave behind a large, loving extended family of 18 nieces and nephews. Kim Chamberlin, Gina Reese, Greg Chamberlin, Jessica Wiggins, Lisa Valencia, Jason Chamberlin, Jeff Luebe, Kevin Luebe, Katie Hamilton, Amy Tesinsky, David Chamberlin, Courtney Kenny, Dana Nickeson, Rilye Sanders, Seth Sanders, Sara Sanders, Chad Froehlich, and Brett Froehlich. They were preceded in death by their parents and Shirley’s siblings, Linda Luebe, Dennis Chamberlin, and Duane Chamberlin. Shirley’s obituary from December 2025 can be found here: https://www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/shirley-sanders-25/#!/TributeWall Tributes and Memorials Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com. In honor of Karl’s military service and their love for animals, the family suggests memorial donations to: • Animal Shelter of Northeast NE (or your local animal shelter) https://www.animalshelternn.org/#donate • Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate

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Karl A. Sanders

August 4, 1954 - April 15, 2026