Lincoln Community Mourns the Passing of 21-Year-Old Ka-Rei E. Thompson

LINCOLN, Nebraska — The Lincoln community and surrounding region are mourning the sudden passing of 21-year-old Ka-Rei E. Thompson, who passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Wahoo, Nebraska.

Born on October 13, 2004, in Lincoln to Kerry and Rachel Thompson, Ka-Rei grew up locally and graduated from Lincoln High School in 2019. At the time of his passing, he was employed with Darling Ingredients Inc. in Wahoo, Saunders County, building his career as a young adult. Remembered by family and friends as a vibrant individual, Ka-Rei was passionate about boxing, listening to music, and playing video games.

Memorial Services and Official Arrangements

Official funeral and memorial arrangements are being directed through Svoboda Funeral Home in Wahoo, Nebraska.

A formal Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Lakeview United Methodist Church, located at 230 Capitol Beach Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68528. Family members, friends, coworkers, and community members will gather to honor his life and memory.

Family Tributes and Community Support

Ka-Rei’s passing leaves an unfillable void for his loving family and wide circle of friends across Lancaster and Saunders counties.

He is survived by his mother, Rachel Thompson; his father, Kerry Thompson; and his siblings, Javon Jones, Keiyara Johnson, and Jared Jones. Heartfelt condolences, sympathies, and prayers continue to be extended to the Thompson family and all who knew and loved Ka-Rei during this difficult period of grieving.